A warning about scams

Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme Scam Warning

We have received reports of scammers cold-calling people asking for their bank details to receive the government's £150 energy rebate. Please be alert to the scam and do not give out personal information.

Anyone who has unexpectedly received a text, email or phone call seeking information or payment should not give out personal information, including bank details, click any links or respond until they could be sure it was genuine. Please contact our Customer Services on 01884 255 255 if you have any concerns.

Fraudulent text messages can be reported by forwarding them to 7726, a free reporting service provided by phone operators. Potential scams can also be reported to Action Fraud.

Eligible households in England that pay council tax by direct debit should receive the payment directly into their bank account. Those who do not pay their council tax by direct debit will be sent a letter with details of how to claim.

Winter Fuel/Cost of Living Allowance Scam Warning

We have received reports of scammers sending text messages to people offering a 'living expenses allowance' to replace the winter fuel payment. Please be alert to the scam and do not give out personal information or click on any links in text messages.

Anyone who has unexpectedly received a text before clicking any links they need to be sure it is genuine. Please contact our Customer Services on 01884 255 255 if you have any concerns.

Devon and Cornwall Police Alerts - Scam Information

How to report scams:

If you have given out any financial information please phone your bank or building society immediately.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, you can report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages can also be reported by forwarding them to the number: 7726 (it’s free of charge).

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

16/10/2024 - Fake Home Office Winter Payment Scam

We have been made aware of a scam text message claiming to be the UK Home Office to say that "you are eligible for a payment to replace the winter payment that was cancelled".

Please do not click on links. Check information directly with trusted sources such as Age UK, Citizens Advice who can provide information.

10/09/2024 - Parking PCN Scam

We have received reports of a scam email claiming to be a "Parking Penalty Charge Notice" from a ‘local council’, asking you to pay a fine via a suspicious link.

Please DO NOT click on the link or provide any personal details as this is not from us.

We advise anyone who has a penalty charge notice to follow the instructions for payment as directed on the reverse of their PCN and not to respond to text message or emails with links to payment. We will only contact someone regarding a PCN via post or if they have submitted an appeal via email. We do not send out emails or text messages requesting payment via a link or other means.

01/08/2024 - Food Shopping Voucher Call Scam

Tenants have received calls from a company offering them a £50 voucher towards their food costs. The tenant was asked for bank details. This is a scam call.

If you receive a call do not respond to requests for money or important personal information such as bank details or passwords. Take a look at our 'How to stay safe' tips at the bottom of this page.

26/07/2024 - Solar Inspection Scam

Tenants have received calls from a company identifying themselves as Solar UK Renewables, who are saying that they are coming to visit the property to inspect the solar PV array. They also said that Anseco Ltd no longer existed.

If you receive a message, please do not to allow access to your home under any circumstance and contact your Neighbourhood Officer.

21/05/2024 - 'Fake Bailiff' Call Scam

Please be aware there is someone calling our customers from a mobile claiming to be a bailiff who will attend their property in the next 30 mins or so to seize goods over unpaid planning fees.

We assume the scammers are using information available from the planning portal in 2018-19 to confirm details like customer names and addresses while on the phone. We have no record of outstanding monies for customers who have used our planning services in and around 2018-19.

How to stay safe:

• If you need help, try and use people you know and trust. If you cannot do this,
  always ask the person for ID, preferably in the form of a driving licence and make
  a note of their details.
• Don’t assume everyone is genuine. It is okay to say no and refuse an offer.
• Don’t open links or attachments from suspicious emails or text messages
• Never give out your personal bank details, pin, passwords to anyone over the phone, online or on your doorstep
• Don’t ring the number the caller has given you to check it’s genuine. Always try to look the number up for yourself
• If buying online, only make payments if there is a padlock symbol in the browser
  window frame and you have carefully checked the site and website address for
  inconsistencies
• If you are unsure, please seek advice from someone you know and trust