Jonesboro, Arkansas – Jonesboro business owners are being urged to stay alert after the Jonesboro Fire Department (JFD) issued a warning about a phone scam targeting local companies with fake inspection fees and threats of fines.
According to fire officials, scammers are pretending to be representatives of the department and contacting businesses by phone. The callers are claiming that inspections have been completed or are required and then demanding immediate payment to avoid penalties.
The issue escalated after at least one local business owner reported receiving a call from someone who warned of a large fine if an inspection fee was not paid right away. Officials say the message is designed to create pressure and confusion, especially for small business owners who may feel uncertain about official procedures.
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Fire Chief Jason Wills addressed the situation directly, making it clear that the department does not operate in this way and does not request payments over the phone for inspections.
“Please be advised that the Jonesboro Fire Department does not charge a fee for business inspections,” Wills said. “We will never call and demand payment over the phone.”
The department emphasized that all legitimate fire safety inspections are conducted without any inspection fee attached, and any demand for immediate payment should be treated as a red flag. Officials are also reminding residents and business owners that scammers often rely on urgency and fear to push victims into quick decisions.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who receives a suspicious call to end the conversation immediately and verify the claim through official channels. The department provided a direct contact number for confirmation, advising the public to call 870-932-2428 if they have any doubts about the legitimacy of a request.
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Officials also stressed the importance of not sharing any personal or financial information with unknown callers, even if the call appears convincing or uses official-sounding language. Scammers often attempt to sound authoritative in order to gain trust quickly.
While no financial losses were reported in connection with the recent calls, fire officials say the warning is meant to prevent future incidents. Businesses across Jonesboro are being encouraged to spread awareness among employees, especially those who handle phone calls or payments.
The department says staying cautious and double-checking any unexpected requests remains the best defense against fraud attempts like this one.
