SINGAPORE - The public has been advised to be cautious of companies claiming to be endorsed by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to sell fire extinguishers and carry out safety talks.

The SCDF said in a statement on Tuesday that it has not authorised any companies to do so, nor is it involved in any sale of fire extinguishers.

The authorities have received complaints that these companies employed aggressive hard-sell tactics to get the public to purchase their products, fire insurance or even signing up for their fire safety talks and training seminars.

In some instances, the sales personnel had shown the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook to give the impression that they were representing the SCDF and had even threatened to issue fines to the public if they refused to purchase their products.

Individuals who wish to file a complaint against such companies can call the Consumer Authority of Singapore's (Case's) hotline at 61000315.

They can also file an online complaint via Case's website at http://www.case.org.sg/complaint_onlinecomplaint.aspx or walk in to Case's office in Ghim Moh.