Raise the alarm! Targeting 01454

South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards would like to advise of a new type of scam that is currently targeting local households.

Complaints have been received by residents of South Gloucestershire who have had unsolicited telephone calls offering them free home security alarms and wanting to arrange home visits.

It appears the scammers are targeting 01454 numbers and are telling residents that they live in a high crime area and are at risk. They go on to say that the alarm system is free and is only being offered to a small number of people in that locality. During the home visit, one resident was then told that there is actually a fee of at least £300, to cover installation costs.

One resident was told that Avon and Somerset Police had hired this company to promote these alarm systems, which were the only ones approved by the police. This is not true.

Due to the nature of these false claims and potentially aggressive business practices, Trading Standards officers would like to hear from anyone who thinks they may have received such a call, or knows of friends or family who have. Senior Trading Standards enforcement officer Neil Derrick can be contacted on 01454 864565.

To report any other type of scam or for advice on consumer related issues please contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

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