Basildon Council has received reports of a bogus caller asking residents to disclose their bank details over the phone.
Residents across the borough are reminded to be vigilant following reports of the phone scam, in which a caller claiming to work for Basildon Council requests bank details in order to repay excess council tax.
Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Policy and Resources committee, said: “Council staff will never call customers to ask for their bank details. Anyone who is owed a refund will be sent a letter in the post.
“We are committed to improving the safety of our communities and the wellbeing of our residents. Anyone who receives a phone call they suspect to be bogus should not disclose any personal information and hang up immediately. If you are unsure whether a caller claiming to be from Basildon Council is genuine don’t be embarrassed to contact our Customer Services team on 01268 533333.”
For more information on how to protect yourself against bogus callers visit www.basildon.gov.uk/fraudsters
To report a fraudulent call contact Essex Police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
