Insurance scam targets Welshpool

Residents in the Welshpool area are being warned of a telephone scam that has hit the town with the scammers claiming to be calling from an insurance company working on behalf of the Powys County Council.

The Council has issued the warning after a resident in the Welshpool area said their telephone number had been targeted by scammers.

The scam involved the resident being contacted by a foreign-sounding man from an insurance company working on behalf of the county council. They contacted the resident claiming that they had been in a car accident involving a council vehicle.

The resident, who does not drive and has asked not to be named, did not provide any details and hung up on the scammer.

Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said: “Residents need to be vigilant about these unscrupulous activities. These individuals will try multiple methods to deceive people but they will particularly look for vulnerable or unsuspecting residents.

“If a resident has logged an insurance claim with the council, we would either contact the resident directly or an insurance company working on our behalf would contact the claimant.

“However, if you’re contacted by anyone claiming to be an insurance company when you’ve not submitted a claim or have no knowledge of the incident, it is likely to be a scam call.

“People need to be extremely cautious if they receive one of these calls and if they are in any doubt, should not provide any personal details and end the call. These scammers have no morals, can be very persistent and can be very rude to residents if they don’t get what they want.”

For anyone who receives one of these calls and would like further advice they can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03444 77 20 20 or report any potential fraud to Action Fraud which can be contacted at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.