Last updated at 13:55, Tuesday, 08 May 2012

POLICE are investigating after someone tried to scam an elderly woman.

A 73-year-old Ulverston resident received intimidating phone calls last Monday(30/4) informing her she had ordered 20 tonnes of cement, which was being delivered to her home that day and that she owed £600. The caller falsely claimed to be from B&Q.

The woman, who lives in sheltered housing at Tyson Square and asked not to be named, was then told someone was on their way round to her house and she could pay the £600 by cash or cheque.

The caller hung up the phone when the woman said she would call the police and her grandson.

She said her grandson then rang B&Q and was told the company was not involved.

The woman reported the incident to the police and was told it was a scam.

She also contacted the Evening Mail to warn others and said: “I was absolutely panicking. I told them I had not ordered anything.

“She said the order was on the wagon and she was going on and on.

“I feel mad and disgusted and I want to warn others. I’m worried that they are targeting older people.”

Sergeant Rupert Johnston, of Ulverston police, said: “We are investigating.

“Any calls received like this should be reported to the police by calling our 101 number.

“Ourselves and Trading Standards collate these calls and investigate them jointly.

“People should not give personal details out over the phone unless they have established the true identity of the caller.”

Angela Jones, Cumbria Trading Standards service manager, added: “We believe this call to be a scam and we would strongly advise any consumers who have received similar unsolicited telephone calls to never disclose any personal details to the caller and to immediately end the call.

“The matter should be reported to Cumbria Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506.

“Consumers can register their details with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce the number of unsolicted telephone calls via www.tpsonline.org.uk or contacting the registration line on 0845 070 0707.”

A spokeswoman for B&Q said the DIY firm was not involved with the phone call to the elderly woman.

Advice about avoiding telephone scams is available on the Cumbria police website at www.cumbria.police.uk.

First published at 13:26, Tuesday, 08 May 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk