Trading Standards has issued a warning after a Widnes resident received a telephone call from a caller claiming to be a Halton Borough Council employee.
The caller started asking the resident for personal details.
Fortunately she refused to answer the questions and terminated the telephone call. The resident then called the Council which confirmed it was a scam.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said “Always be on your guard if someone cold calls you on the phone or knocks on your door and never give out personal details.
“Remember, if it’s an organisation you normally deal with they will have your details and shouldn’t need to ask you questions.
“Scammers who call you may suggest they need to ask you questions for security purposes, in these situations politely ask the caller which department they are calling from and inform them you will call them back, but make sure you call them back on a telephone number that you already have and not one they give you.”
If residents receive a telephone call, or a knock on the door, from someone claiming to be from the Council then you can call 0303 333 4300 (open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm) to verify the caller.
Halton Borough Council Trading Standards provides ” No Cold Calling” window cards and door stickers free of charge from any Halton Direct Link office.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06
