The Scottish SSPCA have issued a warning to Scots after a home was visited by fake inspectors.
Two men targeted a property on Ell Crescent in Cambuslang, Glasgow on Friday, November 18, claiming they had been called out to reports of animal neglect at a neighbouring address.
The pair said they were from the animal charity but could not show any form of identification. They also claimed that their company van was parked out of sight, according to GlasgowLive.
The alleged fraudsters stopped at the house twice in the same day - the first time at around 4.30pm and the next time at 6pm - and left those within 'distressed' by the ordeal.
The duo were busted after the householders spoke to the neighbours the men claimed to be investigating. They then called the charity's helpline, who confirmed that the callers were indeed not Scottish SPCA representatives.
Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, said, “Both visits occurred on Friday 18 November; the first at 16:30 and the second at 18:00.
“The men asked about the property next door, claiming to be investigating a report of neglected dogs, but did not produce any employee badges.
“The neighbour the men were enquiring about was out at the time of the visit but the household later informed them about the incident.
"Someone from the property in question then called our helpline to ask for more information. At this point our team were able to confirm that the men were not our officers.
“This was a very distressing experience for both the household approached and the neighbour being targeted.
“Our inspectors will always be in uniform and will be able to provide badges with a photo and authorisation. Our inspectors will also be happy to provide you with vehicle registration.
“If you are at all unsure about someone who comes to your door claiming to be from the Scottish SPCA, then ask them to wait outside and call us immediately on 03000 999 999. Our inspectors will respect your need to do this.
“If someone contacts you by any other means such as phone or email then you can always call our helpline to check if the communication is genuine.
“If anyone has any information on this incident, or would like to report a similar incident to us, they can contact our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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