Don’t fall victim to conman cold caller claiming to be from the fire service

Herts County Council has received reports from businesses across the county that have been cold called by the man attempting to sell advertising space and claiming to be acting on behalf of the fire service.

This approach is typical of a publication scam where the scammer claims to be from a public body or supporting good causes in order to sell advertising space. A demand for payment often follows, sometimes even if no agreement has been made.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service do not cold call businesses or authorise third party companies to do so on their behalf looking to sell advertising or sponsorship.

Those who receive this type of call should not give or confirm any information about their business and should hang up and report it via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.

Councillor Richard Thake, who oversees community safety, said: “We don’t know who this person is, but they certainly aren’t working on our behalf. We’re working hard to identify them and we’ll be taking action once we do. In the meantime I’d encourage anyone who does receive a call from this man to hang up immediately.”

Visit www.hertsdirect.org/scams for more information on protecting yourself from scams.