They say he's a con artist who's giving the good guys a bad name.
"It's unfortunate that there are people like this that take advantage of people," said Evesham Fire Marshal David Knott.
Police have released a picture of the guy in action at the Playdrome in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Police say he claimed to be a fire department official there for a safety inspection.
"He went around the building and did what they say was an inspection, and then he presented the clerk with a bill for $376, and he said cash only," explained Sgt. Joseph Vitarelli, Cherry Hill Police.
We caught up with Ron Snyder of Evesham Fire and Rescue, a real safety inspector, as he checked out a fast food restaurant.
"Basically what I look for in a building like this is sprinkler head and sprinkler systems, anything electrical, open outlets," said Snyder.
It is a thorough look at the building and its fire fighting systems. He also checks for things like grease buildup on vent hoods.
And he makes sure that all the fire extinguishers have been recently serviced and approved.
Unlike the imposter, Snyder is in uniform and carries a full set of credentials.
"They'll have a badge, they'll have identification," said Knott. "We're required to hold certain licenses and certifications that we carry with us."
And they arrive in a clearly marked vehicle.
The imposter has fooled a lot of people. He has scammed commercial establishments in Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.
He gets around, but police believe he's still in the area, and they're warning businesses to be on the alert.
State law requires inspections for all commercial establishments at least once a year, but not by this guy, and not for cash.
"No fire inspector or official is going to ask for cash for anything," Snyder said.
Police are hoping to turn up the heat on this phony fire inspector. If you have any information that could help catch him, contact Cherry Hill Police at (856) 488-7828.
