westmarsh

DON’T BE CONNED BY PHONE SCAMMERS

TRADING Standards Officers at North East Lincolnshire Council are reminding residents how to protect themselves against scam letters and nuisance phone calls. 

The council has been made aware of a new spate of scams that are taking place in the area and is warning the public to stay alert. 

The reminder comes after warnings were published about a recent council tax rebate scam, in which fraudsters have been seeking residents’ bank account details after telling them they are owed a refund. 

The latest con involves individuals being contacted over the phone by someone who claims to be a representative from BT. The ‘representative’ informs them that their phone will be disconnected unless they immediately pay a fee of £31 to cover the costs of an unpaid phone bill. They tell the victim that if they do not pay, the cost to re-connect will be £118. 

The scam appears to be authentic as the caller tricks the victim into thinking that they have control over the phone network. The scammer asks the victim to try and make a call while they stay on the phone, making it seem like the victim’s phone has been cut off. 

Portfolio holder for community safety, neighbourhood and customer services, Councillor Steve Beasant, said: “I understand that scams and phone calls of this nature can be both frustrating and upsetting for residents. We want to reassure people that they do not have to suffer in silence and that there are things that can be done to combat these problems.” 

Residents can opt out of receiving unwanted marketing phone calls by contacting the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 or by visiting www.tpsonline.org.uk. 

A similar service is available for junk mail, visit www.mpsonline.org.uk for more details.

See Macaulay Area Action Group section for details of it's activities.

See St. Hugh's Community Centre section for details of it's activities.

See West Marsh Community Centre section for details of it's activities.

St. Hugh's Church has a freshly decorated room, large enough to take 30 people, available for hire at a cost of £10.00 per hour. A small reduction will be allowed for long term bookings. Contact Denis on Grimsby 362436 for details.