Philadelphia warning of fake demolition inspector making the rounds

If you live in Philadelphia, city officials are warning you to beware of a man posing as a worker with the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

Police said an African-American man in his mid-50s or 60s, wearing a hardhat and reflective vest, has knocked on doors in North Philadelphia twice in the last two weeks. They said the man told residents on N. Colorado, W. Cumberland and W. Sergeant Streets he was an L&I inspector and that the city was planning to domolish their homes. The city said none of those properties is slated for demolition.

So here’s how to tell if you’re dealing with an impostor: L&I inspectors always present identification and they always wear clothing with the department’s name and insignia.

The suspect was also described as being around 5’7″ with a “partial goatee” and driving a dark green Volvo station wagon with Pennsylvania license plates.

Police are asking anyone who’s seen this man to call 9-1-1. To confirm whether a property is being demolished, call L&I at (215) 686-2400.