Warning over Lifeline personal alarm fraud bid

HALTON Trading Standards has issued a warning after an elderly Runcorn man who uses the Lifeline personal alarm system received a call from someone pretending to be from the service.

The caller said that the man’s monthly payment was due andd they would be callingling round to colllect it.

However, the wouldbe victim decided to check with Lifeline who o told him thathat the call had nothing to do withith th them and that they do not collect payment in this way.

Others are now being warned not to be taken in by this con but to put down the phone and not to open the door to anybody they do not recognise.

Cllr Dave Cargill (Trading Standards) said: “If you receive any calls offering to fix a problem that you didn’t know you had, or somebody claiming they are from your bank or an official organisation, don’t give the caller any details. “Explain that on the advice of Trading Standards you need to check first that the call is genuine and then put the phone down. “Wait for five minu minutes and the then contact th the company th they claim t to be from o on the u usual numbe ber you have for them. Do not use any numbe numbers that the callerll h has giveni you.” Anyone who has been caught out by a scam or knows someone who has should call Halton Trading Standards on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775. The team is already working with victims around Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams. For any other related advice call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline or 0345 404 0506.