Bogus fire officer targets homes in Rushmere St Andrew

Why it matters: The caller has no genuine authority, provided no identification or business name, and used a real local incident to lend false credibility to his claims.

The details: The man told residents he was a "Level 2 Fire Officer" and claimed the solar panels on their homes were dirty and posed a fire risk. He referenced the recent fire at an Ipswich school, wrongly claiming it was linked to dirty solar panels.

What happened: In one case, a resident did not believe the caller and asked him to leave. He then became verbally abusive.

The other side: The caller had no ID and gave no business name when challenged.

Description: Suffolk Trading Standards describes the man as white, approximately 50 years old, using a blue electric wheelchair. He was wearing a dark baseball cap, a pink shirt, a tie and shorts.

What to look out for: Suffolk Trading Standards says all genuine Suffolk Fire personnel carry an official ID card at all times, even when not in uniform. Every card includes a verification number on the back that residents can call to confirm someone's identity.

Anyone approached by the caller is asked to contact Suffolk Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The bottom line: A man posing as a fire officer has been using a real local tragedy to frighten Rushmere St Andrew residents into believing their solar panels are dangerous — genuine officials always carry verifiable ID, and Trading Standards wants to hear from anyone else who has been approached.

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