Dear Resident

We're warning people of a new scam we've been made aware of which involves winter fuel allowance payments.

Earlier this month, officers received a report from a member of the public in The Headlands, Northampton, which involved a cold caller knocking on the door of an elderly person in the area. 

When they answered, the cold caller told the occupant that they from “Survey Solutions” on behalf of “Northants Council” who were supporting those who have had their winter fuel allowance stopped. 

The scammer produced a card machine attached to a mobile and asked the victim for his debit card details so they could receive the winter fuel payment directly into his bank.  

Luckily, they were suspicious and declined. 

We're issuing this warning to encourage people who have been approached in similar circumstances to come forward, as well as to try and prevent anyone from falling victim to this scam.

You can help protect older neighbours and relatives against this type of crime with this advice:
 

If you would like a free ‘No Cold Calling Home’ sticker, please email crimeprevention@northants.police.uk.

For more information, please visit Take Five - To Stop Fraud | Take Five is a national campaign offering straightforward and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves against fraud. (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk) and Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams (stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk).

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and please do share it with anyone you feel may benefit from the advice.