Hoax fire caller warning issued

A WARNING has been issued to Sidmouth business owners after a string of hoax calls from people claiming to be from the fire service. Traders from across the county have been receiving cold calls from salespeople who ask if the businesses would like to adv

A WARNING has been issued to Sidmouth business owners after a string of hoax calls from people claiming to be from the fire service.

Traders from across the county have been receiving cold calls from salespeople who ask if the businesses would like to advertise in a fire service publication or calendar that is part of a safety campaign.

On one occasion, the caller became abusive when the business owner refused to take out an advert.

Paul Slaven, Public Relations Officers for the Fire Service, said: "They are taking advantage of people who want to support the service but we do not receive financial benefit from these adverts and we are not connected to the publications involved.

"The service does not make cold calls of this nature and these salespeople have no connection whatsoever with our organisation."

People are reminded to be vigilant when taking calls requesting sponsorship, and, if suspicious, ask to call them back after they have had a chance to check their credentials.