The numbers of nuisance and scam phone calls in the East Hampshire and Havant area have seen an increase recently. Some rogue callers are claiming to be getting information from Citizens Advice. Typically they are offering debt and financial help to individuals in an effort to gain personal and banking details. Citizens Advice will not call you to ask for personal information.
Jon Stuart, CEO of Havant and East Hampshire CAB saidâ€Citizens Advice would never pass information about a client to another organisation without permission. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our organisation, and we take great efforts to protect client information.†CAB would like reassure and emphasize to the public that unless you have given specific permission to CAB to act as an intermediary, no information on any subject will be shared. Please contact your local bureaux if you have been approached by anyone asking for bank and personal details claiming to be sent from Citizens Advice, or report it to Action Fraud on 0300123 2040 or on www.actionfraud.police.uk
Citizens Advice has a dedicated Consumer helpline 03454 040506 for all consumer issues including practical advice for anyone who thinks they could be a victim of a scam or want to report a crime. The website, www.adviceguide.org.uk, gives general consumer information and describes the many types of scams in operation. The site is a useful reference point for any consumer concerns.