Warning about scammers claiming to be from community alarm firm

Posted by: Laura Hammond

Fri 1st July 2022

Residents are being warned of a new telephone scam where fraudsters claim to be from a community alarm company.

Derbyshire County Council said elderly and vulnerable residents have received calls where the caller has attempted to get them to make payments over the phone.

In one instance, the caller told the resident that their existing alarm company has gone bust and that they have taken over the contract.

In another call, the scammer told a resident that their community alarm would be disconnected unless the make an immediate payment or update their card payment details.

Councillor Carol Hart, cabinet member for health and communities, said: “These calls have nothing to do with Derbyshire County Council or any company associated with us.

“The county council would only ever communicate with people who have a community alarm by letter and certainly would never ask for payment over the telephone.

“Do not be afraid to simply hang up if you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call and please be completely sure who you are dealing with before sending any money.”

Derbyshire County Council said residents can check if their alarm is working properly by pressing their pendant button or the green button on the alarm unit.

Anyone who has received one of these calls – or believes they might have done – and has made a payment should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Suspicious calls can also be reported to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.