Cops to Biz Owners: Beware New Scam

Franklin Lakes Police sent a memo to businesses yesterday warning them of a scam artist that bilked a Blimpie's in Oakland last weekend.

A tall, slender, white male walked into the Ramapo Valley Road sub shop and identified himself as a representative from "County Fire Prevention,"  according to an email from Franklin Lakes Police to the Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

The man, wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray work pants, told a person at the business that he needed to inspect the store's fire extinguishers, according to the email.

Following his "inspection" of the extinguishers, the collected a $200 cash fee from the business, stole their fire extinguishers and provided them with a receipt.

Police Lieutenant John Bakelaar declined to comment on the letter, saying the department wouldn't speak about investigations conducted by other agencies. 

Chief Benjamin Fox said no similar incidents had been reported in his jurisdiction, but business owners should be aware. 

"The old adage 'Be suspicious until your suspicions become unfounded' apply here," Fox said. "Nobody should think that it makes sense to pay a "county" inspector $200 who shows up unannounced."

"As always, any business person or resident that thinks that something is not quite right, should contact their local police before they give someone money for anything," Fox said.

Oakland Police did not return calls to comment for this story.

To report suspicious activity contact the Franklin Lakes Police at 201-891-3131, Wyckoff Police at 201-891-2121, and Oakland Police at 201-337-6171.