First of the holiday scams may have hit Annapolis

It feels like there’s one every year around this time, doesn’t it? Perhaps these stories get more traction during the more festive months because it’s the time of year when most are formulating some sort of holiday plan.

It seems a Heritage Harbor resident received a letter looking like it came from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department warning the resident a representative would be performing an “in-service fire inspection” on the property. Now, the fire department does these types of inspections on businesses and such, but not on residential housing. In those cases the letters are hand delivered by firefighters.

It appears that seniors have been the targets of the letters.

The letter was reported on November 7, but the fire department had to first ensure they didn’t send the letter in error, which is possible, and had to do a check on the property to ensure it was never a daycare, foster home or other type of residential yet qualifying-for-inspection operation. It wasn’t.

Officials are asking that residents who get this type of letter for an inspection of their homes contact police so the scope of the scam may be measured. The concern is that some sort of criminal enterprise is looking to set up shop in the area.

While nothing has been determined yet, officials wanted to reassure the public that they do not and will not inspect private homes for fire code violations and someone who tells you different is telling a story. A story that should not be reported in the news, but to police.

No other letters have surfaced yet, according to reports, and no robberies or burglaries currently on the books appear to be connected to the letters in any way. It’s a big deal only in the through the rapid dissemination of the information that it’s a scam is the only way to nip this thing right in the bud.

We try to do our part. Public service is just one of the many functions here at Annapolis.com. And who doesn’t like a good shout every now and then?

So if your mailbox does contain one of these little treasures, call the police to let them know you might be targeted. Also, don’t send anyone your credit card info or let anyone bully you into buying anything. Moms, spouses and pets remain exceptions. Let’s not go crazy here.