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MFD warns of Upcountry home inspection scam

The Maui News

The Maui Fire Department is warning the public about a phone scam by callers offering free home inspections of smoke alarms to Upcountry residents.

In recent weeks, Kula and Pukalani residents have reported receiving calls claiming to be from the Maui Fire Department and offering free home inspections of smoke alarms, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. He said the callers offer a free battery replacement for smoke alarms during an in-home visit and tell residents they will be stopping by their homes the next day, not giving people the chance to decline.

So far, there have been no reports of people making door-to-door contact using the tactic, Taomoto said. “However, we want the public to be informed and prepared should these individuals come calling,” he said.

“The Fire Department does not solicit any such initiative regarding free battery replacement of smoke alarms,” Taomoto said. “Do not let anyone claiming to be from the Maui Fire Department into your home regarding smoke alarms unless you initiated contact with the Fire Department at the numbers published in the phone book, and you know we are coming.”

The Fire Department does offer free smoke alarms through its Smoke Alarm Maui program, which requires residents to contact the department’s Fire Prevention Bureau to fill out an application. Applicants must meet requirements to qualify for free smoke alarm installation.

More information on the program is available by calling the Fire Prevention Bureau at 876-4690 or online at www.mauicounty.gov/1465/Fire-Prevention-Bureau.

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