Be on your guard for bogus calls

Residents in Somerset are being urged not to give out personal information following several reports of cold callers pretending to be from Somerset County Council.

Bogus calls are being made by a person claiming they are from Somerset County Council, asking for information for an NHS survey relating to an accident.

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member responsible for Devon and Somerset Trading Standards said, “Let me be clear, this is not a Somerset County Council employee.

“Please, if you receive a call which sounds similar to this one, don’t give out any personal details and end the call right away.

“You can report the call to Devon and Somerset Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Speaking out can help combat this scammer.

“We are anxious for people not to be caught out, so please be on your guard for this, or any other bogus caller.”

How do I know if it’s a scam? Trading Standards advises you to ask yourself the following, if you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, there is a good chance someone is trying to scam you in which case you should hang up.

•    Was the offer unsolicited?

•    Do I have to respond straight away?

•    Do I have to ring a premium rate number?

•    Do I have to give my bank or credit card details?

•    Is the business reluctant to give their address or contact details?

•    Am I being asked to keep it confidential?

•    Does it look too good to be true?

Please visit Trading Standards’ Scams, Rogue Traders & Doorstep Crime page www.devonsomerset tradingstandards.gov.uk/consumers/rogue-traders-doorstep-crime/scams-doorstep-crime-online-training/ for more information and advice.