Fact check: smoke detector controllers

+++We are currently receiving an internal report from the fire department+++

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2019: PLEASE READ OUR CURRENT FACT CHECK ON THIS TOPIC. YOU CAN FIND THIS AT: https://www.mimikama.org/general/rauchmelder-betrug-faktencheck/

This warning has been circulating on social platforms since 2016 and is once again causing a huge wave!

We are currently receiving an internal report from the fire department. ..there are people out and about who work their way from house to house and want to check whether the smoke detectors, which have been legally required since January, are there... don't let them in and call the police. ...an organized crime gang!!!

Our fact check

Is there this warning?

Yes, this was already sent via WhatsApp with the same wording in 2016

Was this warning true?

Yes and no! Reason: YES there were incidents of this kind in 2016 and the police reported them. At the same time, however, it is also a false report, as these alleged inspectors are not active nationwide. In other words, the false controllers are not active EVERYWHERE. As a result, there are police stations where no reports were filed, but others were.

Why this mess?

There was a DPA release in 2016.
All media received these. Most of them were also published. This is also the reason why you can read the same content over and over again on different media sites. The BREMEN police have published a press release stating that there have been incidents. The STADE police station warns about the WhatsApp reports and the AALEN police headquarters says that at least as of now is a false report!

And now?

It's easy.
Regardless of whether it's a chain letter or not... ...unannounced smoke detector inspectors should not be allowed into the house or if you have a case like this, please report it directly to the police!
But once again the CLEAR note: yes, there are always cases of this scam.
Therefore, a precautionary warning is definitely justified. However, it must also be made clear that the WhatsApp messages are chain letters that are also distributed in non-affected locations.

Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )