01.09.10 - ALERT - telephone canvassing
This is a message from Northamptonshire Police - 01.09.10
MEMBERS of the public are warned to be on their guard against telephone canvassers stating they are phoning on behalf of Northamptonshire Police.
A number of people, all elderly, have recently contacted the Force with concerns about calls they have received.
On each occasion, the caller said they were conducting a crime survey on behalf of Northamptonshire Police.
But each time the number was withheld and it is possible that these calls may be part of a scam.
Northamptonshire Police does conduct telephone research – but the Force’s researchers will always pass on their names, which can be verified via the customer contact centre or switchboard.
The public are also advised to be extremely wary about calls purporting to be selling advertising on behalf of Northamptonshire Police – again, these calls should be verified, but routinely the Force does not endorse any calls of this nature.
Angie Price, the Force’s Customer Relations Manager, said: “My advice to any member of the public receiving such calls would be to verify in the first instance who they are speaking to before passing on any information.
“As far as I am aware, no crimes have been committed, but it does seem odd that the recent calls we have received expressing concern have been from elderly members of the community.”
If you have concerns, or would like to check on a caller, please contact Northamptonshire Police on 03000 111 222