THE Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have warned local people against potential hoax calls from people pretending to represent their organisation.

There have been recent cases where a school and charity have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the service, asking for financial support.

Group Manager Dave Jacomb said: “The main thing for people to remember is that the Service does not sell advertising or seek monetary contributions for any operational activity.

“On occasion, fire stations may contact local businesses for raffle prizes or support for charitable events, but they will either visit in person or make contact in writing first.”

“Official representatives of Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service will usually be in uniform and, very often, they will be in a marked vehicle.

“They will always have Service ID on them, and they will be happy for you to check their authenticity if required.

“We would urge people to contact us if they have any doubt about a caller’s identity, and cold calls claiming to sell advertising should also be referred to Trading Standards.”

Anyone wanting to check whether someone is a genuine member of staff at Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service can call 01380 723601 (office hours only).