REDDITCH Borough Council is asking residents to be on their guard against scammers pretending to be from the council.
It comes after a Church Hill resident contacted police to report having cash snatched from their hand by an unidentified caller who said they were from the council.
Borough chiefs are saying people should always check the identity of anyone who calls at their home or wants someone’s details. They say council staff would not cold call residents about paid work or any kind of unsolicited payment.
Anyone who does while claiming to be from the council is an impostor out to scam people – or worse.
Furthermore, anyone working for or on behalf of the council always carries official ID and is happy wait if people want to verify they’re legitimate by calling the council on 01527 64252.
If they don’t, they could be an impostor.
The council’s portfolio holder for community safety Councillor Nyear Nazir said: “Anyone can say they’re from the council, but can they prove it?
“Only legitimate council staff can do that, and we will be happy to do so, leaving the scammers exposed.
“The best way to protect yourself from the scoundrels is not to take their word for it, and take a moment to check they are who they say they are.”
If residents know of someone who might want extra support to help give cold callers the cold shoulder, they can contact the Nominated Neighbour scheme.
Nominated Neighbour enables residents to direct callers and visitors to a trusted neighbour to confirm their identity first.
It’s proven to deter cold callers before they even knock on the door, because they won’t want their details checked.
Find out more at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/safety or from the council’s community safety team on 01527 534187 or [email protected].
Suspected rogue traders can be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06, or you can report illegal or suspicious activity to the Police on 101. Always dial 999 if it’s an emergency.
