A resident in Princes Risborough was scammed into thinking they were being contacted by a local councillor by phone.
A resident in Princes Risborough was scammed into thinking they were being contacted by a local councillor by phone.
The fake councillor told the resident that several banks in the area were due to close and encouraged them to switch his account elsewhere.
Thankfully he was wise to sharing personal details over the phone and ended the call.
Ian Thompson, Corporate Director for Planning, Growth & Sustainability who oversees Trading Standards, has reminded locals that councillors and other authority figures won't ask for your personal details or financial information.
He added: "Many residents are aware that over this election period its normal to be contacted by a councillor be that over phone, text, email or on the doorstep.
Sadly, fraudsters are taking advantage of this season to impersonate respected members of the community to gain trust and scam residents"
As with all cold call fraud, Trading Standards advice is:-
- Never engage with someone or allow them access to your home unless you are able to verify their authenticity and who they are.
- Be sceptical, stay calm, and don't be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door
Report all scams to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or if a person feels threatening phone 999.
Keep informed on the latest scams affecting your area by following Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading standards via social media.
https://www.facebook.com/BucksSurreyTS
https://twitter.com/Bucks_Surreyts/
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