Stoke Businesses Warned of Cold-Caller Scam

By Ben Aulakh

Businesses across Stoke-on-Trent are being warned to be on their guard against being duped into advertising with a bogus publication.

Staffordshire Police were contacted by a city businessman on Wednesday morning after he had received a cold call from a man who claimed to work for the force.

During the telephone call the caller had tried to charge the man £150 for a four month advert, in a brochure to be published as part of an anti-drink-drive campaign.

The businessman became suspicious of the caller when he started to ask for payment details, and so ended the call.

DC Tim Whiteley from Staffordshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit said, “People and businesses in Stoke-on-Trent should be cautious about telesales offering to sell advertising space in any publication that claims to be associated with, or sponsored by any emergency service.

“Staffordshire Police does not engage in cold-calling for advertising purposes; luckily in this case the businessman realised it was a scam and did not make any payment.”

DC Whiteley advises anyone who is called and asked for their personal payment details to be very cautious.

The police also advise people in the county to be cautious if the person on the line wants you to pay Ukash, 

Western Union, Moneygram or other money transfer methods.

DC Whiteley added, “If in any doubt, obtain their name and contact details, and check them out with Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit their website www.actionfraud.org.uk.

“Alternatively you can contact Staffordshire Police 24 hours a day on 101.”