Community Alarm Scam Alert

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has been made aware that some local residents have received cold-call phone calls from people claiming to be from a community alarm company.   The callers are demanding a credit card payment to transfer the user’s community alarm to its digital service.  Their claim is that if payment is not taken during the call the user’s community alarm located within their home will be deactivated.

These calls are a SCAM.  They are NOT from representatives of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, East Lothian Council or NHS Lothian.  Please keep yourself, relatives, and neighbours safe.  Stay vigilant.  Don't click on any links or provide bank details to unknown texts, emails, or phone callers.

East Lothian Telecare / Community Alarm Service

If a person requires a Telecare/ Community alarm, they can be referred by a member of health & social care staff or self-refer. Health and social care staff would always identify themselves and their role. Full details of the alarm service will be explained in detail including the costs involved.

Financial details would never be requested at time of referral or installation. Options to check identity can be provided.

More information about Telecare and Community Alarms can be found here. 
 

General advice regarding cold callers

• Be wary of cold callers at the door and on the phone – just say “no thanks” and close the door/put the phone down.
• Never agree to pay for goods or services on the spot from an unsolicited trader who knocks at your door or calls you.
• Always verify the identity of the caller by phoning the company number listed on an official website or phone directory.
• Don’t feel pressured into agreeing to let an unsolicited caller start work on your property immediately – shop around and get at least 3 quotes.
• Use local authority government-approved Trusted Trader schemes to find reputable traders www.tsscot.co.uk/consume.../approved-trader-schemes/
• There’s no reason to let anyone enter your home against your wishes – never be afraid to shut the door on a cold caller.
• Anyone can be targeted by a rogue trader – don’t be embarrassed to report doorstep crime or suspicious activity.
• Rogue traders are constantly changing their methods and are determined to appear more legitimate. Stay one step ahead and do plenty of research.
• If a company claims to be local, do some research – check 3 different review sites and if something doesn’t seem right, check their address with the local council or with Companies House.
• Be aware of what’s going on in your local area – sign up for Neighbourhood Watch alerts and keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Key Contacts 

• Call 101 to report any suspicious activity.
• Call 999 and ask for the police if you feel scared or threatened.
• For free message alerts from key information providers regarding incidents and crime prevention in your area, go to www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk
• For advice on your consumer rights go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or call the Advice Direct Scotland Helpline on 0808 164 6000
• To report a matter to Trading Standards call Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000