By Marty Scheuerman

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department has been alerted to two potentially costly scams from individuals fraudulently representing themselves as members of the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department or their Firefighters Association.

The first scam involves individuals representing themselves as Fire Department inspectors targeting commercial businesses. They enter the business and “perform” an inspection and send a bill for as much as $8,000 for this inspection. Only uniformed fire personnel with valid departmental identification can perform any fire inspections.

If you have any questions, call (530) 542.6160.

If you feel uneasy or suspicious, contact local law enforcement at 911.

If you receive a bill for fire inspections and it is not for the city of South Lake Tahoe, do not pay it, and bring it to the Fire Department headquarters during normal hours at 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

The second scam involves phone solicitations from individuals claiming to be with the Lake Tahoe Firefighters Association. The association does not solicit funds in this manner. If you get these calls, do not give any private information. Get as much information from the caller as possible and relay all information to law enforcement or the Fire Department headquarters.

In the latest phone scam, the call sends a package via UPS and requests a COD check. Always be suspicious, contact the Fire department at (530) 542.6160.The association does conduct fundraisers for specific purposes and will be glad to provide proof requested.

If there is ever any questions, contact the Fire department at (530)542.6160.

Marty Scheuerman is a division chief with the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department.