Trading Standards has issued a warning to residents to be aware

Residents in the Haggs area are being warned to stay vigilant following reports of a potential scam targeting homeowners via telephone recently.

The incident was highlighted by a local resident who raised concerns about a call claiming to be associated with compliance checks on behalf of Falkirk Council's Housing Service.

The resident ended the conversation without divulging any personal information.

Richard Thomson, Senior Trading Standards Officer, stressed the importance of vigilance.

He said: "It is important that residents remain cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially those requesting personal information or claiming to represent official bodies such as the Council.

"Falkirk Council does not operate with any independent company to run compliance checks."

Residents are urged to exercise caution if they receive similar calls in the future and should consider these tips for their own safety:

• Do not disclose personal information: Be wary of any requests for personal details, including your address, postcode, or banking information.
• Verify the caller: Ask for the caller's name, department, and the company they claim to represent. Always verify this information independently.
• Do not agree to anything: Refrain from agreeing to any requests or offers made over the phone, especially if they seem unusual or unexpected.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels suspicious, trust your gut instinct and end the call immediately.
• Stay alert: Be vigilant against potential scam calls and remain informed about common tactics used by fraudsters.

Report any concerns

If you receive a suspicious call, Falkirk Council directly at (01324) 506070 to report the incident

Residents are also encouraged to share this information with friends, family, and neighbours to help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

For more information and updates on scam prevention tips, residents can visit Falkirk Council's website www.falkirk.gov.uk or follow their Trading Standards Facebook page.