CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is warning members of the public to be vigilant after a pensioner was contacted by a suspected hoax caller claiming to be from the fire service.


Cheshire Fire is investigating a report that an elderly resident received a phone call from someone claiming to be a member of staff undertaking home safety assessments.


The caller asked when the pensioner would be home and also asked them to confirm their age. Nobody knocked at the property, however the call, which came from a withheld number, left the resident feeling anxious and vulnerable.


A spokesperson from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that investigations are being carried out and gave some advice to people who may be in doubt about whether a fire officer is genuine, saying that officers are always in uniform and carry official ID.


The spokesperson said: “We are concerned about the nature of this call and are investigating. Providing home safety advice is an important and effective part of our work to keep people safe, but our officers are always in uniform and also carry official ID.


"If anyone receives a visit from someone claiming to work for us, please always ask for proof that they are who they say they are before letting them into your property. If in doubt, we would prefer people not to answer the door and call our headquarters to confirm that the person is genuine.”


Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service can be contacted on 01606 868700.