Kent Fire Department warns of potential door to door sales scam

Over the last week, the Kent Fire Department RFA has received several calls concerning door to door salespeople that are offering residential duct/vent cleaning as well as “other services”

June 4, 2015 4:26 pm

Editor’s note: The following is a press release from Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority.

Over the last week, the Kent Fire Department RFA has received several calls concerning door to door salespeople that are offering residential duct/vent cleaning as well as “other services.”

According to residents, these salespeople are either claiming association or implying that they are part of, or are soliciting on behalf of, the Kent Fire Department RFA. This is absolutely not true. In at least two cases, the residents said the sales person had on a dark blue shirt with a badge or logo that said “KFD”. In another, the person said they claimed to be a volunteer firefighter.

The Kent Fire Department RFA does not solicit anything door to door. Our funding comes through the methods established when the Regional Fire Authority was formed, not through “sales”. In addition, any department personnel that knock on a door will be in a uniform and have department identification with them.

At this time it is not known if the people going door to door are part of a legitimate company possibly misrepresenting themselves, or a scam to get into the homes of residents for theft. We are working with the Kent Police Department to get more information.

Up to this point the sales tactics have been reported in the Panther Lake areas between SE 192 Street and SE 208 Street, but residents should be wary regardless of where they live. In addition, consider taking these precautions:

 

  • Never let strangers in unless you called them for a service and have proven their identity.
  • Any door to door sales are required to carry ID identifying themselves and their organization.
  • Any suspicious activity or persons should be reported to the police by calling 9-1-1.
  • Warn your neighbors of possible scams – especially the elderly who are more likely to believe a scam.

 

Please call the Kent Fire Department RFA at any time if you are concerned about a suspicious contact or if you have questions concerning whether someone works for us or not. You can reach us 24 hours a day at 206-450-8400.