Watch Out for Hoax Fire Officer

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service warn of hoax caller

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people to be vigilant after a pensioner was contacted by a suspected hoax caller claiming to be a fire officer.

Cheshire Fire is investigating a report that an elderly resident received a phone call from someone claiming to be a member of staff undertaking home safety assessments. The caller asked when the pensioner would be home and also asked them to confirm their age. Nobody knocked at the property however the call, which came from a withheld number, understandably left the resident feeling anxious and vulnerable.

A spokesperson said:
"We are concerned about the nature of this call and are investigating. Providing home safety advice is an important and effective part of our work to keep people safe, but our officers are always in uniform and also carry official ID.

"If anyone receives a visit from someone claiming to work for us, please always ask for proof that they are who they say they are before letting them into your property. If in doubt, we would prefer people not to answer the door and call our headquarters to confirm that the person is genuine."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service can be contacted on 01606 868 700.

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