Beware of bogus council officials
No Caption ABCDE
Bogus council officials may be operating in Luton, as a string of incidents of people impersonating officers are reported nationwide.
One Luton resident received an unexpected visit from a man who claimed to be a trading standards officer investigating a rogue trader complaint.
They became suspicious when the man was unable to provide any details of the date and nature of the complaint so refused to let the man in.
After he left it was reported to the Council, who confirmed that no officers from trading standards had been sent.
Councillr Mohammed Ashraf said: “If anybody claiming to be a Council officer appears uninvited on your doorstep, always ask to see his or her ID and then call us on 01582 54 60 00 to check if it is genuine. Do not let them inside the house until you have made the check – a genuine officer will not mind waiting while you do so.”
This is the latest in a string of similar events reported nationwide recently where residents have been approached by bogus trading standards officers.
Some reports suggest that the officers are occasionally carrying fake ID.
Luton Borough Council is warning residents and businesses to be on their guard.
Trading Standards will usually, but not always make an appointment with residents, although visits to business premises are usually unannounced.
All officers carry a council photo ID and will show this as a matter of course and on request.
There is a proven link between bogus callers and distraction burglary.
If you have received a visit from a suspicious council officer, please report it to the police by calling 101, and the Council.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Luton
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 29 mph
Wind direction: North
