Council conmen operating in West Somerset (From Somerset County Gazette)

Council conmen operating in West Somerset

7:00am Saturday 12th December 2009

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CONMEN are trying to dupe innocent homeowners into handing over money by posing as council workers in the West Somerset area.

West Somerset Council and Minehead Police are warning local people to be vigilant when answering their door or telephone following a number of incidents in the past few weeks.

On Friday, November 27, a Minehead woman was visited by a man at her home claiming to be from the council and offered her advice on loft insulation and double-glazing.

The woman became suspicious, police said, and refused to let the man into her house.

She reported the incident to West Somerset Council, which confirmed it did not have anyone carrying out such visits in the seaside town.

Meanwhile, in the Sedgemoor and Taunton Deane areas, members of the public have reported receiving phone calls from tricksters claiming to represent the local council and offering debt advice or advice on reducing Council Tax.

These individuals then ask homeowners for their bank account details or to leave messages for them to phone back on another number – often premium rate phone lines.

Pete Hughes, from West Somerset Council, said: “West Somerset Council will never telephone individuals and ask for their bank account details.

“I would advise anyone who is suspicious of any caller to their home to not let them in and contact the police.”

PC Charlie Fitzpatrick, crime reduction officer at Minehead Police Station, added: “I would advise people to always be wary of callers to their home and not to give out their personal details to cold callers over the telephone. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

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