RESIDENTS across Dorset and Wiltshire are being warned to watch out for scam emails falsely claiming households could face a £500 penalty if they do not have a working smoke alarm.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has issued the alert after reports of the scam emerged in other parts of the country.

The messages claim homeowners will be charged hundreds of pounds if their property is not fitted with a functioning smoke alarm.

However, fire chiefs have stressed that the claims are completely false.

DWFRS said all of its home fire safety visits are provided free of charge and any smoke alarms installed during those visits are also supplied at no cost.

Area manager Marc House, head of prevention, said: “We are aware of people around the country receiving these emails, and we have had one reported directly to us as well.

“Please be assured, we never charge for any aspect of a home fire safety visit, including the installation of smoke alarms. Any communication suggesting otherwise is a scam.”

The service is urging residents not to click on suspicious links or provide personal information in response to unexpected emails or messages.

Officials are particularly concerned that older and more vulnerable people could be targeted by the scam and are encouraging residents to warn friends, family members and neighbours.

DWFRS has also reminded residents that genuine fire service staff always attend properties in uniform and carry official identification.

Anyone who receives a suspected scam email is urged to report it to the National Cyber Security Centre via report@phishing.gov.uk

Residents who would like to arrange a genuine home fire safety visit can do so through the fire service website at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service or by calling 0800 038 2323.