Coventry businesses are being reminded to always check the identity of anyone who visits or calls claiming to be from the Council.

The warning comes from Coventry Trading Standards Service after 4 reports were received in the last 24 hours of a male claiming to be from ‘Licensing’ at  the City Council. It is alleged he has been visiting various City Centre and St Michaels Ward business premises and stating the ‘annual licence fee’ is outstanding and needs to be paid immediately by cash.

Coventry City Council confirm that whilst authorised officers may make a personal approach if any licence fees are outstanding, reminder invoices are left with clear instructions on the reverse as to how such payments can be made. No Officer would be authorised to accept cash under any circumstance.

If any business or consumer receives a visit from someone claiming to be a Council Officer, you should always ask to see official identification which all officers will carry. Genuine Council Officers should show their identification as a matter of course. If someone refuses to show their ID or stops you from taking it for closer inspection, you should ask them to leave immediately, and report it.

Reports concerning this particular incident should be made to licensing@coventry.gov.uk or reported on 024 7683 1888.