Residents in Powys are being warned of a telephone scam that has hit the county with the scammers claiming to be calling from the county council.
Powys County Council has issued the warning after a resident from mid Powys contacted the council after their telephone number had been targeted by scammers.
The scam involved the resident being contacted by a person claiming to be from Powys County Council. The scammer claimed that they had information that the resident has been in a recent accident or has a historic accident claim and they could be entitled to compensation.
The scammers then ask for financial details from their intended target so that the compensation claim can be completed.
In this case, the resident did not provide any details, hung up on the scammer and reported the incident to the county council.
The telephone number used by the scammers in this attempt was from a London-based number.
Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said: “Residents need to be vigilant about these unscrupulous activities. These individuals will try multiple methods to deceive people but they will particularly look for vulnerable or unsuspecting residents.
“The council would not under any circumstances “cold call” residents and try to obtain personal information. People need to be extremely cautious if they receive one of these calls and if they are in any doubt, should not provide any personal details and end the call. If anyone claims to be from the council then any member of staff would be happy to provide their contact details so that they can be called back through our general enquiries number 01597 826000.These scammers have no morals, can be very persistent and can be very rude to residents if they don’t get what they want.”
To reduce the risks of falling for cold call scams, residents and businesses should follow the following tips:
- Be wary of unsolicited callers suggesting or implying that you are due money.
- Never provide your personal details or bank details.
- Don’t take unsolicited calls when you are busy and can’t give the salesman your full attention – if you want to talk, ask them to call back at a convenient time.
- Don’t agree to something on the phone just to get rid of a persistent caller.
- If you’re not clear about who you are speaking to, terminate the call.
For anyone who receives one of these calls and would like further advice they can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03444 77 20 20 or report any potential fraud to Action Fraud which can be contacted at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Anyone contacted by someone claiming to be from Powys County Council and is unsure, they should ask them for their name and job title and then call the council on 01597 826000 to speak to them.
