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Highland Council tenants warned of 'identity theft' scam over property repair calls


By Hector MacKenzie

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Highland Council: 'If you are cold called by phone and asked about council repairs, do not give out any personal information, particularly bank account or debit or credit card details and end the call as quickly as possible'.
Highland Council: 'If you are cold called by phone and asked about council repairs, do not give out any personal information, particularly bank account or debit or credit card details and end the call as quickly as possible'.

TENANTS of Highland Council are being warned to be alert to scam calls about property repairs following a number of reported incidents.

Highland Council Trading Standards has says some Highland tenants have recently received phone calls from scammers purporting to be the council asking about home repairs.

It says it is likely these criminals are using the council’s name to obtain personal and financial information, which could lead to identity theft.

It said: "The council will never phone you about repairs you do not already know about and will never ask for personal information such as financial details.

"If you are cold called by phone and asked about council repairs, do not give out any personal information, particularly bank account or debit or credit card details and end the call as quickly as possible. Anyone with queries about repairs to a council property should contact the Highland Council in the first instance."

Reports about the scam can be made to Trading Standards via Advice Direct Scotland (advice.scot) on Freephone 0808 164 6000 or by email or webchat through their website at www.consumeradvice.scot.

Anyone who believes they may have fallen for a scam should contact their bank immediately.It is also important to report what has happened to Police Scotland on 101.


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