iCAN is the Warrington & Halton Consumer Alert Network

The purpose of iCAN is to broadcast warnings to Members to alert them to the latest consumer rip offs that have hit the town.
The technology we have allows messages to be sent to Members within hours, ensuring maximum impact.
Messages can be received by telephone, text message or e-mail.

Who can join?

Anybody can be a Member of the iCAN. It is intended for anybody living in the community who is prepared to spread the word in their area. The more people that join, the more effective it will be at protecting consumers. We want people from all across Warrington and Halton to join. The more the better.

Why should I join?

You will be among the first to know when the latest cons hit the town. You will also have good quality consumer information at your fingertips to make sure you and your friends, relatives and neighbours are well informed and protected. You will also be able to provide valuable information about what is going on in your area.

What information will I receive?

We broadcast warnings whenever we become aware of a problem that could affect Warrington residents. This could be to alert you that cold callers are active in your area selling anything from household security systems to driveways to double glazing. It may be to warn of the latest scams or cons that are peddled through telephone calls or by e-mail. We work closely with the Police and it may be to warn of callers posing as officials from the Council. Members also receive a newsletter and more general consumer advice material by post.

How will I receive it?

Urgent and semi urgent messages are delivered by pre recorded telephone message, mobile text message or e-mail. Members can choose to receive messages by any or all of these methods. More general, non-urgent information is sent by post.

How does it work?

A voice message is recorded on a computer in Trading Standards giving relevant information. The same message is repeated in an e-mail. A short version is drafted as a mobile phone text message. The message is then sent. All Members will receive the message by any or all of these means depending upon their preference. For telephone messages there is an option to have the message repeated and you can select the times of the day you wish to be telephoned. There is no limit to the number of Members who can be contacted in this way.

What do Members of the Network have to do?

We would like Members of iCAN to distribute the information or warnings that are broadcast to neighbours, friends and family. Do you know people who live alone and who are vulnerable perhaps due to age or disability? These are the sort of people who we particularly want Members to talk to and look out for. We also want information from Members. Much of the information that Trading Standards receives comes from the public. Members of the public can be the eyes and ears of Trading Standards when it comes to spotting the latest scam. From time to time we will also consult with you as a member to seek your views on consumer issues that affect your area.

How are my personal details protected?

The details of Members are entered onto a computer database held by Trading Standards. It will be used solely for iCAN and will not be disclosed to any third party. If you want to leave iCAN at anytime your details will be deleted from the database and you will receive no further messages.

How much does it cost?

Membership is free

How do I join?