Alert over Casey scam

IT SOUNDS too good to be true – and, unfortunately, it is.
A scammer posing as a City of Casey council officer is doing the rounds in Casey, telling residents that the council has overcharged their rates by $300.
The bogus council officer then asks to see residents’ rates notices so he can make a refund.
It is believed the man is trying to obtain residents’ banking details and personal information.
Mayor Lorraine Wreford said residents should refuse entry to anyone claiming to be from the council if they could not provide suitable identification.
“It is extremely concerning that a spate of scams has been occurring throughout Casey recently, and I would like to remind the community to be vigilant in protecting the privacy of their personal information, including their private property details,” Cr Wreford said.
“If you are at all concerned about the legitimacy of a person you encounter, either face to face or over the phone, err on the side of caution and check their credentials before disclosing any information to them.”
If a resident is in doubt about the legitimacy of someone at their door, they can contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200 to verify if that person works for the council.
Report any such scam to the council or Consumer Affairs on 1300 558 181.