WARRINGTON’S Public Protection team are warning residents of scams involving people who falsely claim to work for the council.
A number of incidents have been reported in which residents have arranged to have bulky waste removed only to receive a visit from imposters who have demanded upfront payment on the doorstep.
Charges between £20 and £40 have been demanded by the drivers collecting the items.
A council spokesman said: “If this happens to you, under no circumstances should you pay the driver.
“You will be invoiced for the service within two weeks of collection. The advisors will quote the payment to be invoiced at the time of booking – official collection drivers will never ask for payment.”
No description is available of two men responsible for the scam, nor of their vehicle.
But one has a foreign accent. So far, they have operated in the Great Sankey and Stockton Heath area.
There have also been incidents of residents being told that as they have been paying council tax for many years they are entitled to a refund and being asked for their bank details.
Cllr David Keane, the council’s executive member for environment and public protection, said: “We want to make it clear that these individuals are not affiliated with the council. Do not pay for council services up front and never give out your bank details. If you have any doubts or suspicions don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Anyone approached in person or by telephone by anyone they regard as suspicious should report the incident to the Contact Centre on 01925 443322 or the police on 0845 458 0000.
Details of the council’s bulky waste collection service can be obtained at www.warrington.gov.uk
WARRINGTON'S Public Protection team are warning residents of scams involving people who falsely claim to work for the council.
Bogus council workers scam
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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WARRINGTON’S Public Protection team???????? I thought the public’s protection team were called the police or at a stretch for things like this, the Trading Standards Agency. So is this something new or just a play on job titles or a general clause within someone’s job description? The thought of a team of caped crusaders flashed through my mind then I read “a council spokesman said.”
If someone called claiming to be from the Council you would know it was not true since they have got rid of so many workers that there are no longer any staff left to go out on calls! PPT???? Some serious explanation is required.