Scam Harvests Money from Farmers
Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service is warning farmers to be on their guard against unexpected telephone calls from someone falsely claiming to be a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).
Trading Standards Officers have received information that the caller claims to be a PCSO and asks for £150.00 donation towards the cost of running a “Youth Event”. When challenged, the caller hangs up.
Trading Standards are particularly concerned as it is unusual for farmers to be targeted in this way. All members of the farming community are asked to be vigilant and follow the advice below.
Advice on dealing with unexpected callers
Don’t provide any personal or financial information to callers you don’t know and trust.
Challenge caller’s claims – ask for their name and their company name and if you wish to speak to them, phone them back via a publicly listed telephone number.
If you don’t wish to speak to them, put the phone down.
To reduce the number of unwanted telephone sales calls you receive register with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.
If the caller is persistent, seek advice from your phone provider (e.g. BT).
If you are receiving abusive, threatening or obscene calls, malicious or otherwise distressing to you, then report them to the police.
For further information on scams visit our website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams or contact Consumer Direct on: 08454 04 05 06