Bogus callers target Exmouth residents, council warns
EXMOUTH and East Devon residents are again being urged to be on their guard against bogus telephone callers posing as council officers.
EXMOUTH and East Devon residents are again being urged to be on their guard against bogus telephone callers posing as council officers.
The message comes from East Devon District Council (EDDC), who has been alerted by a number of residents who have been targeted by a man with a foreign accent, followed up by a call from a lady with an English accent.
In all cases the callers claimed to be from the council, saying the resident may be eligible for a council tax refund.
The council is asking all residents to be vigilant and not to divulge private information.
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Councillor Andrew Moulding, EDDC portfolio holder resources, said: "If you are contacted by someone that you are unsure about, please don't be tricked under any circumstances.
"Officers at EDDC do telephone customers, but would never ask them for a credit card security number over the telephone.
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"If you are in any doubt, finish the call straight away."
The council said the bogus callers appear to know the name and address of the victims' banks, before asking for their three-digit credit card security code number - explaining they would be sent a form to complete, to process the claim.
All the residents contacting the council became suspicious and ended the call without divulging the security number.
Residents are urged to report any suspect calls to EDDC's revenues manager, Libby Jarrett, on (01395) 517 446 or email revenues@eastdevon.gov.uk
You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
* For further information about how to avoid becoming the victim of a scam, visit Devon County Council Trading Standard's 'Scamwise' campaign at www.devon.gov.uk and follow the link to Trading Standards.
