Savannah Fire Marshal Craig Landolt is warning of a current telephone scam that targets Savannah-area business owners, especially restaurant owners and operators.
The scam involves a caller demanding payment from business owners for work that was supposedly performed at the business under the direction of the local fire marshal. The phone calls originate from a telephone number that is located in or assigned from Virginia. The callers are very insistent and threaten immediate legal action if business owners don’t acquiesce and meet their demands.
The caller claims the work was performed at the direction of the fire marshal. However, Landolt says there is no validity to the claim.
“The fire marshal’s office does not direct or manage the work of private contractors, neither does the fire marshal’s office authorize outside agencies to collect payment for work performed by or for private businesses,” Landolt said. “Business owners should notify my office and also file a police report if they believe they have been contacted in this manner or have fallen victim to the scam.”
The fire marshal’s office does inspect area businesses to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes. Code violations are immediately noted and business owners are provided adequate time to remedy any violations prior to a re-inspection.
Any Savannah business owners who have been targeted by this scam are encouraged to contact Landolt at 912-644-5960.