Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is warning householders and businesses to be wary after receiving reports of bogus phone calls in which people are falsely claiming to be working on behalf of the fire and rescue service.
RBFRS has been contacted by several people concerned about phone calls they have received where the caller either claims to be selling advertising in a magazine or fundraising for the fire and rescue service.
There have been reports of rogue callers offering advertising space in publications that are not affiliated to RBFRS. On occasion, RBFRS uses third party organisations to gain feedback from Berkshire residents to improve its service, but they will never ask you for money.
RBFRS does regularly raise money for causes such as The Fire Fighters Charity and other registered charities but this is usually done through car washes and other events at fire stations. Whenever fundraising is done by RBFRS at public events, there will always be members of staff in uniform present that will be more than happy to show their identification.
If you do receive a phone call from someone claiming to be selling something or fundraising on our behalf, please hang up and notify the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.