Dorset Phone Scam - Police warn residents to be vigilant

Local police are warning residents of a scam involving thieves posing as district council employees.

They appear to have launched an aggressive telephone campaign and are even appearing at peoples homes claiming to be Bailiffs.

In some incidents, residents were phoned and told they were entitled to council tax refunds. The potential victims were then asked for their bank details. 

The council point out on their website http://www.dorsetforyou.com/

that the district council will never ask for bank details over the phone. Nor will officers from the district council's tax team ever come to residents' property and ask for money. However, there are occasions when the council sends bailiffs to collect overdue accounts but this will follow correspondence between the council and resident - and the bailiff will carry identification.

With elderly women being targeted, please encourage family, friends and neighbours to be aware of this risk.We urge you to be vigilant and report any suspicions to your local council and get in contact with the police. If you are approached by anyone claiming to be from the council you can always check their identity by calling your local authority for confirmation.