Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are warning the public to be aware of bogus callers who are targeting vulnerable people by pretending to be genuine fire officers.
A spokesperson said they received a report from an elderly lady in Weaverham who had been contacted via phone by someone claiming to be from the fire service and asking whether or not someone would be in the house so they could carry out fire safety checks.
The caller asked a series of questions about the woman's home and the time of day she would usually be in.
The Cheshire Fire spokesperson said the call had left them 'very concerned' and stressed the importance of asking any strangers to show identification if they turned up on doorsteps.
"We are looking into this report and investigating it because we are very concerned," the spokesperson said.
"We want to make sure people feel safe. In this case there was an elderly lady involved and we want to emphasise the importance of always asking to see identification. All our officers carry this and all wear uniforms."
If you have any concerns, or have received a suspicious call from someone purporting to be a fire officer, call Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01606 868700
