CLARKSVILLE, IN (August 19, 2024) – The Clarksville Fire Department is issuing an important warning to local businesses about a potential security threat. Chief Brandon Skaggs says thieves are calling businesses claiming to be Fire Marshals with the Clarksville Fire Department. They then instruct the employees to take and email interior photos of the business including entrances, windows, and office areas. The thieves claim it is part of a safety check.

“We’ve seen these scams happening in other parts of the country,” said Chief Skaggs. “Thieves call claiming to be with a local fire department to obtain interior photos, then use information from the photos to commit a burglary after the business closes.”

Chief Skaggs says Fire Marshals and other representatives from the Clarksville Fire Department will never call and ask for photos or other information over the phone. Any safety inspections will be conducted in-person by a uniformed CFD employee. Those officials will also have documentation to verify their identity.

Only one Clarksville business has reported receiving these scam calls so far, but Chief Skaggs says there could be more who haven’t contacted Clarksville Police or Fire. Fortunately, no local burglaries have been committed locally yet as part of this scam.