A person impersonating a firefighter was visiting stores in the Cherry Tree Shopping Centre.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were made aware of somebody claiming to be from the service visiting shops in and around the shopping centre on Liscard high street, on Thursday, July 14.
The fire service have now issued a warning to people across Merseyside to ask anyone claiming to be a firefighter to ask to see identification.
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A spokesperson from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "We've been made aware of someone claiming to be from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service visiting retail premises in Wallasey. Please be aware this is NOT us.
"If someone visits your home or workplace, always ask to see identification - our staff will ALWAYS carry ID."
Just yesterday The ECHO reported a man impersonating a police officer tried to force his way into a woman's home on Wallace Street, L9. At around 3.30pm on Tuesday, July 12, Merseyside Police received a report of two men impersonating police officers.
Two men dressed in suits knocked at the home claiming to be police officers when the victim, a woman in her 50s, answered the door to them. One of the men then tried to force his way into the house as the woman closed the door on them.
The two men returned to the address a short time later but the victim closed the door.
Police have confirmed an investigation is now underway and that CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out in the area.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence which puts our communities at risk at any time. Where we receive reports of this taking place we will not hesitate to investigate, take action and bring offenders to justice.
“Enquiries are ongoing to identify the two men involved, and I am appealing for anyone with information to please come forward. If you were in the area at the time and saw two men acting suspiciously, or have CCTV or were driving nearby and have dashcam footage, please get in touch as it may assist our investigation.
“Shamefully, offenders like this deliberately target the most vulnerable in our community and I would ask people to take a few minutes to check on any elderly neighbours, family and friends and ensure they are given the right advice and guidance.
“There are a number of steps you and they can take to try to prevent this from happening:
“You can always ask a police officer for identification. All our officers have a collar number and a warrant card, which any genuine officer will be happy to show to you. If in doubt, you can always check their warrant card is genuine by calling 101.
“Remember, a police officer should never ask you to disclose your PIN number or card details, either in person or online. If you suspect someone is impersonating a police officer please contact police.”
Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC quoting reference number 22000496465. Further fraud crime prevention advice can be found on the Merseyside Police website, or on the Action Fraud site at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
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