We have received reports from residents in Cirencester and South Cerney that they had received telephone calls from fraudsters purporting to be staff at Cotswold District Council.
In each instance the person was told that their direct debit council tax payments had failed and that payment was required then and there. The Fraudster requested bank card details in order to take payment over the phone. Fortunately in each instance, for various reasons, the offender did not obtain full correct card details and no monies were stolen.
I am bringing this latest attempt to your attention as each of the people reporting the attempted fraud to us told us that their telephone showed the call as coming from the District Councils telephone number. Obviously this was not the case and the council have confirmed that residents who miss a payment of their council tax would be written to and not telephoned.
The issue of the how the calls were made is being discussed between Police and CDC staff but we advise you not to engage with cold callers seeking your bank details even if you believe you know the number from which the call is being made.
Thank you,
Sgt Garrett Gloyn
Message Sent By
Garrett Gloyn (Police, PS, Cirencester)
