Date: 05/02/2010
High Peak Borough Council has urged residents to check the identity of anyone claiming to be from the local authority.
The advice was given after two Whaley Bridge residents told the council that a bogus official had telephoned them to say they had been overpaying their Council Tax for years and were due a large refund.
The caller asked both residents for their banking details so that the supposed refunds could be paid into their accounts. Both householders had the sense not to disclose any details.
Now, the council has made it clear that it would never contact anyone in such a manner.
Said Emily Thrane, Executive Councillor for Corporate Services: "It is unusual for the council to telephone someone without first sending written information. Nevertheless, anyone receiving a telephone call from someone claiming to represent the council should ask for the person's name and job title. They should then discontinue the call and check the caller's credentials with the council. Before doing so, they should ask the caller to ring back at a more convenient time.
"Similarly, householders should never let someone into their home without first seeking proof of identity and then calling the organisation that the caller claims to represent. Residents should secure their door chain while checking the person's credentials. Alternatively, they could ask the person to come back at a more convenient time.
"Council employees always carry proof of identity, without which they should not be admitted to your home", she advised.