Cost of Living
Police officers warn of winter fuel allowance scam – October 2024
There have been reports of a cold caller knocking on doors saying they are from “Survey Solutions” on behalf of “Northants Council” with offers of support to those who have had their winter fuel allowance stopped.
Published: 24 October 2024
Northants police have issued an alert to warn people of a new scam involving winter fuel allowance payments. There have been reports of a cold caller knocking on doors saying they are from “Survey Solutions” on behalf of “Northants Council” with offers of support to those who have had their winter fuel allowance stopped.
The scammer produces a card machine attached to a mobile and asks for debit card details so that the winter fuel payment can be sent directly into their bank account.
Please alert elderly relatives and neighbours and report any similar incidents to Northamptonshire Police.
You can also help protect older neighbours and relatives against this type of crime with this advice:
1) Tell them there’s no need to open the door to unexpected caller and it’s OK to send them away
2) Don’t bother to check ID cards – they will be fake if the caller is not who they say they are
3) Display a ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker
4) Set up passwords with utility companies so you know if they are genuine when they call
5) Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home and
6) IF YOU’RE NOT SURE, DON’T OPEN THE DOOR.
If you would like a free ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker, please email crimeprevention@northants.police.uk.
If you would like to be alerted to news and updates about crime and suspicious activity where you live or work, receive crime prevention advice and updates from your local neighbourhood policing team then you can sign up by going to:
https://www.northamptonshiretalking.co.uk/Content/Pages/Sign-Up