Scammers pose as council workers

CASEY Council is warning residents to be wary of people claiming to work for the council after two separate scam incidents.
The council has warned residents to look out for a fraudulent brochure from a company falsely claiming to be associated with the council.
The brochure from EcoAssist has been circulated in the community and includes an unauthorised use of the City of Casey logo.
It can be identified on the front as reading ‘Public Notice – Annual Community Environmental Review’.
Casey’s environment manager Nicola Ward said residents should be wary of any door-knockers claiming to represent the City of Casey, offering a range of environmental services under the banner of the City of Casey Buying Program.
“There is no such program and the City of Casey is not affiliated with this environmental company in any way, shape or form,” Ms Ward said.
Residents have been advised to refuse entry to anyone claiming to represent the City of Casey wanting to undertake an environmental assessment.
The brochure includes questions about household use of water tanks and solar electricity, asks residents to indicate packages of interest to them and to provide their name, address and phone number.
In another incident, the council also said a conman had posed as a Casey council worker by calling residents and requesting bank details.
Mayor Lorraine Wreford said it was extremely concerning.
“In this particular case, the conman asked the resident to go to the local post office to pay an administration fee. The resident then has to request a sender’s form for Western Union, write a particular name on the form, indicate India as the destination and pay $256.00 plus post office fees,” she said.
“After this is done, the conman says he will telephone back in half an hour to get receipt details and then the resident can go to post office to pick up the refund or it can be paid directly into a bank account.”
The City of Casey recommends that if residents receive such a telephone call, they should contact the local police or contact the Consumer Affairs Helpline on 1300 558 181. They can also contact the Victorian Department of Consumer Affairs.