London,
02
June
2015
|
10:34
Europe/London
Bogus council callers alert
Camden Council is highlighting to all residents the need to be vigilant against bogus callers in the borough.
Trading standards have recently received a number of reports that individuals are gaining access to the homes of elderly vulnerable residents claiming they are working for Camden Council and in one case the offender claimed to be a trading standards officer.
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“It is a known method for criminals to claim to be from the local council, public sector organisations or utility companies to gain access to people’s homes. Whilst there they will often try to obtain money from the resident on false pretences or steal items.
“Camden’s Trading Standards always advise residents not to allow anyone into their home who they do not know and if you need work undertaken, then it is best to get recommendations from friends and family and not to accept offers of work or help from cold callers.”
Councillor Jonathan Simpson, Cabinet Member for Community Safety
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If you are advised that a cold caller on the phone or your doorstep is from the council, you can check their identity by calling Camden Council on telephone 0207 974 4444.
If you wish to report anything suspicious about cold callers, please ring trading standards on tel: 03454 04 05 06 or call the police by dialling 101.