The Monterey County Fire Prevention Officers Association, together with the Monterey County Fire Chiefs Association, has issued a warning to alert business owners of a scam that includes mailed invoices from a fake fire inspection company.

At least one business in Monterey County was mailed an invoice this month from “RMZ Fire Safety” claiming payment $413.11 was due for fire inspection services that never occurred. RMZ Fire Safety’s mailing address on the invoice is in Walnut Creek, California.

The recipient reviewed the invoice and knew they had never received services from RMZ Fire Safety. Fortunately, the recipient had already been working with a local, licensed fire protection contractor, who informed them the invoice may be part of a scam. The local fire agency was called and notified of the false invoice.

The Monterey County Sheriff and District Attorney’s office have also been notified about the matter.

To avoid becoming victims of false-invoice scams, business owners should carefully review invoices before paying them to ensure the services have been received.

If anyone believes they have received a false invoice for fire inspection services, they can contact their local fire department’s fire prevention bureau, 831-596-4716.