Fake firefighters scam: PSP warns residents

24 February 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The Polish State Fire Service warns that people posing as firefighters offer paid checks of heating systems and detectors — a common door-to-door scam that can lead to extortion. Expats should know how official inspections work and how to verify identities.

Fake firefighters are targeting residents, and Państwowa Straż Pożarna (PSP) has issued a public warning after reports of individuals posing as fire officers offering paid inspections of heating appliances, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors. This is important because such visits can be used to extort money from homeowners and tenants, including foreigners who may not be familiar with Polish practices for technical checks.

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What has been reported

Local news outlets relayed the PSP alert describing people who approach homes claiming to be fire service personnel and offering to perform — for a fee — tests or safety checks on boilers, stoves, chimneys and life‑safety detectors. According to the warning, these visits are not part of routine duties carried out by the State Fire Service and are likely attempts to obtain payment by deception. Victims have been asked to pay on the spot, often in cash.

Why this matters to expats

In Poland the responsibility for regular maintenance of heating systems and chimneys typically lies with the property owner or building manager; routine servicing is usually done by certified technicians or chimney sweeps (kominiarze) who issue receipts. The Państwowa Straż Pożarna is the national fire and rescue service and generally does not sell on‑the‑spot paid inspections to households. Scammers exploit uncertainty about who is authorised to enter properties and charge for work, making newcomers and non‑Polish speakers easy targets.

How the scam typically works and official stance

Per the PSP advisory, impostors may present fake ID cards, wear uniforms, or use a convincing script to pressure residents into agreeing to immediate checks and payments. Official agencies such as the Policja (police) and municipal offices can provide lists of licensed service providers; the PSP emphasises that any legitimate educational visits by firefighters are normally announced in advance by local authorities or community managers and are free of charge.

Practical steps to protect yourself

If someone turns up unannounced offering paid safety checks, ask for official identification and documentation, refuse cash payments on the spot, and request a written quote or company details to verify independently. If you feel threatened or suspect a scam, call emergency number 112 or report the incident to the local Policja. Keep records of the encounter — names, vehicle registration, photos — and notify your building manager or housing association.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland the Państwowa Straż Pożarna is the national fire and rescue service; it provides emergency response and public safety education but does not typically charge residents for door‑to‑door inspections. Regular servicing and legal checks of boilers, furnaces and chimneys are the responsibility of the property owner and are normally done by private, certified technicians or a chimney sweep (“kominiarz”). Always ask for a company name, ID, and a written offer; verify the company in the CEIDG business register or through your local municipal office before paying. For emergencies or if you feel threatened, call 112; to report a non‑emergency scam you can contact the police (Policja) through local numbers or your municipal office.

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