News

We’re warning people of a new scam we’ve been made aware of which involves winter fuel allowance payments.

Earlier this month, officers received a report from a member of the public in The Headlands, Northampton, which involved a cold caller knocking on the door of an elderly person in the area.

When they answered, the cold caller told the occupant that they from “Survey Solutions” on behalf of “Northants Council” who were supporting those who have had their winter fuel allowance stopped.

The scammer produced a card machine attached to a mobile and asked the victim for his debit card details so they could receive the winter fuel payment directly into his bank.

Luckily, they were suspicious and declined.

We’re issuing this warning to encourage people who have been approached in similar circumstances to come forward, as well as to try and prevent anyone from falling victim to this scam.

You can help protect older neighbours and relatives against this type of crime with this advice:

There’s no need to open the door to unexpected callers – it’s OK to send them away
Find other ways to speak to callers – through a window or even the letterbox
Don’t bother to check ID cards – they will be fake if the caller is not who they say they are
Display a ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker
Set up passwords with utility companies so you know if they are genuine when they call
Keep the outside of your property well maintained
Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home
Use a lifeline pendant alarm to call for assistance
IF YOU’RE NOT SURE, DON’T OPEN THE DOOR

If you would like a free ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker, please email crimeprevention@northants.police.uk.

For more information, please visit Take Five – To Stop Fraud | Take Five is a national campaign offering straightforward and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves against fraud. (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk) and Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams (stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk).