The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - Ilocos Norte has issued an urgent advisory about individuals falsely identifying themselves as BFP personnel to place fraudulent orders for food and beverages. These scammers target local businesses, claiming the orders are on behalf of BFP stations.

The BFP clarified that orders are never authorized unless placed by officially designated personnel. Business owners are advised to remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any orders by contacting the respective fire station directly. Proper identification should also be requested from anyone claiming to represent the bureau.

This warning follows a post by Jalil Syed, a business owner who almost fell victim to such a scam. Syed shared his experience on social media, detailing how the fraudster requested banana bread and beverages, claiming to represent BFP Bacarra. His suspicions grew after the caller exaggerated claims of having a “sky-is-the-limit” budget from the local government and demonstrated unfamiliarity with the BFP’s location. A quick verification call to BFP Bacarra confirmed that no such orders had been made.

The BFP urges business owners to report any suspicious activities to the nearest fire station or local law enforcement. Preventing these fraudulent activities relies on the community’s cooperation and vigilance.