HARTFORD, Conn. -- Hundreds of illegal fire extinguishers have been sold to unknowing customers across the state, according to Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

"It's unsafe and unreliable because it hasn't been tested properly. And it may do more harm than good," Blumenthal said.

Police are searching for Michael Jenkins, who they believe is behind the sale of the false fire extinguishers.

Police said Jenkins ran three Advanced Safety Solutions offices in Connecticut. According to police he sold illegal fire equipment and stun guns. Police said Jenkins also scammed his employees out of thousands of dollars.

"It's operated as a kind of pyramid scheme because it induced people to join the organization with promises that they would be paid more in advance if they sold more. They were selling an illegal product," Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal said that a legal fire extinguisher has a UL listed symbol on the back. Blumenthal urges anyone with an extinguisher without the symbol to call the Attorney General's office at 860-808-5318.

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