Beware of bogus callers (From Community Newsgroup)

Beware of bogus callers

2:28pm Thursday 4th December 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service have been alerted to a bogus caller who posed as a member of staff to make phone calls to a Poynton resident.

The caller, who called himself Dave, stated that he worked for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and was carrying out Home Safety Assessments in the area.

The resident became suspicious and alerted the service when the salesperson said he would be giving away free gifts, which included a shredder and pen, during his intended visit.

Alex Waller, Unitary Performance Manager for Cheshire East said: “This is a very serious matter and I would like to reassure residents that this person does not work for the organisation and the details of the incident has been given to police for investigation.

“The service does not make cold calls by telephone and has a strict procedure when carrying out assessments.

“A note is delivered a couple of days before a visit to say staff are in the area. They will arrive in a liveried Fire & Rescue Service vehicle and always carry identification, which features their photo.

“Cheshire has recently experienced two fatalities involving house fires in the last couple of months therefore it is important for Poynton residents to take up the offer of an assessment and are not afraid because of this one incident.”

If someone does receive a call from this person they are asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively if you receive a call which you are unsure of please contact 01606 868700 for reassurance.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)