The Singapore Civil Defence Force in a Facebook post on
Friday (Dec 9) warned the public against companies claiming to be
SCDF-endorsed while selling fire extinguishers and/or first aid
kits.
The sellers reportedly wear lanyards to give the
impression that they are government organisation
representatives.
The SCDF clarified that it is not involved in "any
sales of fire extinguishers and first aid kits" and has not
authorised any company to carry out such sales on its behalf.
It added that SCDF personnel display their warrant
cards, NS Identity Cards or letters of authorisation.
"While it is encouraged for each household to be
equipped with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, it is not
mandatory and residents will not be fined by SCDF for not having
these items at home," it said in the post.
The Straits Times understands that such scams are not
new.
The warning on Friday comes after a report by Lianhe
Wanbao on Sunday (Dec 4), which said that two women impersonating
government personnel allegedly sold two fire extinguishers - said
to be worth only about $20 each - for $158 each to staff at a
coffee shop in Jalan Bukit Merah.
ST