Auckland Council warns of phone scam

Auckland Council is warning residents to be vigilant after a woman fell victim to a scam from a person claiming to be from ‘Auckland District Council’.

The woman says she received a phone call from someone with an Australian phone number who said they were from the ‘Auckland District Council’. She was then asked for her bank account details so that she could pay an infringement notice.

Auckland Council Investigation Advisor Maureen Glassey says unfortunately the woman gave the caller her bank account details, which were then used to set up a direct debit. The name ‘Auckland District Council’ appears on the victim’s bank statement and has been used to take around $150.

Ms Glassey says Auckland Council, or any of its council-controlled organisations such as Auckland Transport, would never ring ratepayers to ask for bank account details or request a direct debit to be set up to pay for infringements.

“We strongly advise that no one gives out their bank account details over the phone to anyone, regardless of where they say they are from.

“If anyone receives a call of this nature, we would urge them to record the number it comes from, if that’s possible, and pass the details onto the police,” says Ms Glassey.

ENDS

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