From March 8, 2015, smoke detectors will become mandatory in homes. If this law has for first goal our security, the scammers, them, rather wish to strip us. Indeed, individuals disguised as firefighters come to our home, pretending to be sent by the services of the town hall, or even the government.
How do they operate?
Directly at home, they claim to come and check the water and gas in the building and are surprised at the absence of a detector in our home. Then, they remind us of the obligation to have a detector at home. Going so far as to tell us that they are mandated by the town hall, the insurer, the HLM office, or even the trustee.
The cost of the scam
The detectors sold by these scammers cost on average 100€, or even more, for an identical product at 20€ in store. Even better, they go so far as to have us sign a maintenance contract for the detector, when it is enough to change the batteries.
Who should install the smoke detector?
You install it yourself at the entrance to your home, a single detector is enough. If you are a tenant, the owner is responsible for the billing. If you are the owner, you go to the store and choose a detector bearing the NF mark, a guarantee of product conformity.
Imane Jaafar.
