Council tax scammers target pensioner

Police are urging Glossop residents to be extra vigilant, after an elderley resident was targeted by a council tax scam.

Last Tuesday, an pensioner living on Whitfield Cross, received a phone call from a female claiming to be from the council tax housing assessment department.

The con artist stated that he had overpaid the council for some years and was eligible for a rebate and that someone would visit the next day with the refund.

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A female visited the address at 9.40am last Wednesday and alleged she was from the re-banding unit of a different organisation, not the council, and said she could reduce the council tax payment each month for an upfront administration fee.

The resident said she came across as “quite plausible”.

The culprit was described as white, approximately five foot six to seven tall, aged in her late 20s or early 30s, with burgundy dyed hair, and very busty.

She had a photo ID card on a lanyard around her neck but refused to let the occupant check it closely.

Carol Hardwick, community information officer at Derbyshire Police, said: “Fortunately, the resident had already contacted the local council prior to the visit and they confirmed that this was clearly a scam. Please make your neighbours aware of this incident and ask them to be extra vigilant.”

If you have information on this incident or are concerned about any cold callers, do not let them into your home; contact Derbyshire Police on 101.