State investigates fraudulent contractor targeting commercial kitchens
December 13, 2024 | By Lisa Scagliotti
The Vermont Division of Fire Safety issued an alert on Friday that it’s investigating incidents involving a fraudulent contractor impersonating a fire marshall in order to drum up business.
An individual has been visiting businesses claiming to be affiliated with the state fire safety office and suggesting to business owners that kitchen hoods in their buildings are in violation of state codes in order to then solicit the business to hire them to clean their kitchen equipment and hoods.
“In reports received by the Division, the individual has claimed to be a ‘fire marshal’ enforcing new code requirements/laws adopted by the state as well as threatening individuals with citations should they not comply,” the alert states.
State Fire Safety personnel carry photo identification and members of the public may request to see an inspector’s I.D. to verify that someone truly is a state employee. State safety staff also do not do remediation work, the alert notes. Vendors that do such work are certified by the state and carry proof of that credential as well.
If any local businesses have an interaction with this individual, state officials ask that they report it to the Division of Fire Safety so it can be investigated. Call 1-800-640-2106.
Contacts for regional offices are posted online here. The Waterbury Regional Office is located at the State Office Complex, 45 State Drive, in Waterbury. Phone is 802-479-4434 or 1-888-870-7888. Ben Moffatt is the regional manager for the Waterbury area.
See the communication from the Division of Fire Safety below.