Beware Of Scam Calls From “The Council”

Residents are being warned to be on their guard against scam calls after a spate of recent complaints to Trading Standards in Cardiff relating to bogus telephone calls from people claiming to work for the Council. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The council will never telephone any resident and ask for financial information so if you do receive a call like this then our advice is not to worry about appearing rude – simply hang up. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The purpose of these calls is to get hold of personal data and bank details which can then be used to steal your identity and fraudulently access your bank account. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Cabinet Member for Skills, Safety and Engagement, Cllr Daniel De’Ath, said: “If you receive a call from Cardiff Council asking for financial information then alarm bells should be ringing – we do not do this. If you’re in any doubt simply ask for the callers’ name and service area and contact the council directly to check they are who they say they are. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Being a victim of fraud or identity theft can be a distressing, time-consuming and expensive experience so it’s better to be safe than sorry.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Residents are advised to report calls of this nature to Action Fraud by telephoning 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​