An elderly woman nearly fell victim to the scam.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning over fraudulent smoke alarm tests after an elderly victim almost fell victim to the scam.

The fire service urged vigilance after the victim received an email stating that fire crews were on the way to her address to carry out a fire safety check.

The woman was told that if her smoke alarms were not working properly, she would be fined.

The fire services said the types of emails mentioned are ‘a scam’, and that they do not charge for home safety visits.

A fire service spokesperson said: “We are urging people to stay vigilant after an elderly resident in Stafford received an email telling her that fire crews were on their way to do a home fire safety check.

“These kinds of emails are a scam. We do not charge for home fire safety visits, issue fines, or charge for smoke alarms fitted as part of these visits.

“Please stay alert and share this message with family members who live alone or are vulnerable.”

Anyone who receives an email or feels suspicious is urged to contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.