South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards would like to remind residents to be cautious when answering unexpected telephone calls.
It has been reported that scammers are contacting people by telephone impersonating call handlers from Crimestoppers and have been asking for people’s personal information, including their bank details.
Crimestoppers have confirmed that they have never, and will never, make cold calls to members of the public asking for any personal details. If you do receive a call from someone asking for personal information and claiming to be from Crimestoppers, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Roger Critchell, Director of Operations for Crimestoppers, said: “We are currently talking to our phone service provider to attempt to resolve the situation over our number being hijacked and hope this can be rectified as quickly as possible.
“I would emphasise that it is business as normal for the charity and people can still contact us on 0800 555 111 to pass on anonymous information about crime, but we wanted to make sure people were aware that we will never, ever contact them asking for personal details, so please do not hand any over if you are contacted by someone claiming to be Crimestoppers.”
Further details can be found on the Crimestoppers website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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