Brigade's conman warning (From Somerset County Gazette)

Brigade's conman warning

7:00pm Sunday 14th March 2010

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CONMEN posing as fire officers have tricked their way into a number of homes to steal money, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service claims.

The tricksters get in by saying they are carrying out home safety checks on behalf of the brigade.

They then steal cash from the occupants, causing great distress.

A fire and rescue service spokesman said if wishes to stress: *it never cold calls or visits homes unannounced to give out advice; *appointments are only ever made when occupants contact the Fire Service themselves - not the other way round; *the Home Safety Visit team will attend pre-arranged appointments so that occupants will know exactly what date and time to expect fire service staff to visit; *all fire service staff have identity badges and uniforms which can be verified as genuine by the service; *passwords can be put in place when arranging a visit, for extra security; *friends and family are welcome to be present at the time of a visit.

Group manager Chris Ellis said: “If a resident receives a visit from someone purporting to be from the fire service and they have not arranged a Home Safety Visit, then they must never let them into their property.

“It is also worth mentioning that all our advice is given on a goodwill basis and is absolutely free.”

If you would like to arrange a Home Safety Visit, call 0800-7311822, text 07800-002476 or e-mail firekills@dsfire.gov.uk

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