BUSINESSES across West Somerset are being warned not to hand over money or bank details to a hoax caller claiming to represent the fire service.

Minehead businessman Rich Gay, who runs the Colour Centre retail outlet on the Vennland Business Park, raised the alarm over what the Devon and Somerset Fire Service has stressed is a “complete hoax”.

After receiving the call on Wednesday, Mr Gay immediately alerted Minehead firefighters, who put a warning on their Facebook page, which was followed by a further warning from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service chiefs.

“I had a similar call last year and I actually recognised the man’s voice,” said Mr Gay.

“Basically he was trying to sell me an advert for a calendar or some publication but he said he was from the fire service locally and trying to raise money for a children’s charity.

“I was suspicious from the start but when I began asking some awkward questions, he just hung up.

“And when I dialled 1471 to try and find out who had phoned, it came up with number withheld.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Paul Slaven said the brigade would never contact people by telephone if it was genuinely trying to fundraise.

Only this month the Minehead fire station raised £550 for the national Fire Fighters Charity with a car wash event.

“We are very upset by this – Minehead fire station is a big part of the local community and we would hate to think that anyone would be caught out by this, thinking that they were helping us,” said Mr Slaven.

“This is a complete hoax and a scam and we would urge everyone to be on their guard and never hand out bank details over the phone.”

Anyone receiving a suspicious call is asked to contact the police 101 number.

The latest scam follows a warning to West Somerset residents in August about bogus calls about Council Tax, with a promise to reduce bills.