Warning over fake CAB advice calls

A HALTON consumer rights charity is urging residents to be on their guard against fake Citizens Advice cold callers who promise help with debts.

The charity said it never calls people out of the blue offering to set up a plan to settle debts or help with payment protection insurance claims.

The organisation is urging Runcornians and Widnesians who receive such calls to report it as a scam.

Anyone with money worries can contact the charity for free, independent advice to help resolve their debt problems.

Citizens Advice Halton chief executive Hitesh Patel said: “This is a despicable scam that trades on public trust in our service.

“No-one from Citizens Advice will ever phone or text someone out of the blue to offer debt management services.

“Anyone who gets a bogus call like this should end the call as quickly as possible, never give or confirm any personal information, and report it immediately to Action Fraud.

“We also want to reassure anyone experiencing debt or money worries that we can help. Whether you’ve just started to miss payments or are struggling with multiple debts, we can help you make sense of your finances and understand your options.”

To report fake Citizens Advice cold calls contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

For money help contact Citizens Advice Halton’s debt advice team by leaving a message on 0151 257 2449, emailing advice@ citizensadvicehalton.org. uk or visiting www. citizensadvice.org.uk