HAMPSHIRE County Council’s Trading Standards officers are warning residents to be alert to suspicious unsolicited telephone calls claiming to be from a police officer.

In recent reported cases the caller asks questions about home security and personal circumstances. Attempts are made to book appointments for home visits to discuss police burglar alarms or loft insulation. When the resident becomes suspicious and makes enquiries about the caller, they hang up.

Trading Standards would advise consumers never to give out personal details over the phone, and not to entertain visits from callers who make unsolicited telephone calls.

The Police do not sell burglar alarms or loft insulation, and will not operate in this way. The advice is not to get into conversation with this type of caller which includes similar telephone calls from ‘Banks’, and to report the matter to Trading Standards, via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06, or to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101.

Trading Standards would advise consumers not to agree to work that is instigated as a result of a cold call or via a leaflet drop. Consumers should obtain at least three written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme or a recognised trade association.