BUSINESSES in Ashburton are being alerted to a potential scam claiming to be from the fire service. 

Fire stations in Ashburton and Buckfastleigh have issued the warning following a report of a local business being contacted from someone claiming to be from Ashburton fire station.

The caller is said to have stated that ‘lots’ of local businesses are providing funds for either a calender or magazine type publication and then trying to get personal details from the business owner. 

A spokesman for Buckfastleigh fire station said: ‘Please be aware that the fire service will never phone you trying to sell any advertising or ask for payment for a home safety visit or any other type of funding, the following details show what you should do if you receive a phone call of this type.

‘If you’ve received an unexpected call that you’re not sure is from us, end the call and, if possible, call us from a different phone.

‘Unfortunately, there have been instances where fraudulent salespeople have contacted businesses claiming to be acting for the service.’

Anyone concerned that a caller is not genuinely from the fire service, should make a note of the caller's name and number and hang up the phone. 

Do not call the number back directly. 

Contact Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to verify the call received was genuine. 

Or call them on 01392 872200.

Anyone who has transferred money to a scammer within the past 24 hours, report this to the police immediately by calling 101.