Police warn over bogus “financial advisors”

POLICE are warning people in Warrington about bogus financial advisers who are “cold calling” by telephone.
John Dwyer, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire is urging people not to fall prey to scam merchants purporting to be financial advisors.
It’s the latest scam – following in the wake of calls about PPI or compensation owed from an accident that may or may not have happened.
The bogus advisers offer to help people get their finances back on track.
Mr Dwyer said: “If these people approached you in the street, you wouldn’t give them the time of day. So why give it to them when they ‘cold call’ you at home.
“I’d remind everyone to clarify who you’re talking to when you are cold called. It’s important that you don’t give out confidential information, which could include information about your bank accounts, or agree on a course of action to take which you later regret.”
A few simple steps can be taken to avoid being taken for a ride.
*Don’t give any personal information (date of birth, bank details etc) that could be used in a fraudulent way.
*Ask to take the name of the company and a telephone number and offer to ring the service back. You can then check the company name and phone number to see if it’s legitimate.
*If in doubt just hang up.
If you need financial advice, speak to an advisor face to face. Alternatively, visit the Money Advice Service https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en website for more information.