Be aware of scams this Christmas

The Christmas season is always a time when money can be tight and unfortunately, it also seems to be a time when immoral scammers will try and take advantage of people and their good nature.

Please be extra vigilant when it comes to suspicious emails, texts, letters or phone calls that claim to be from the council – or indeed any other organisations – asking for your bank or personal details.

If you receive unexpected contact like this claiming to be from Somerset Council, please get in touch with your Housing Rent officer to check that the approach is genuine.

Please note, the number for Somerset Council's Accounts Receivable team is 0344 980 0116

Look out for signs such as incorrect phone numbers and email addresses that do not end in @somerset.gov.uk. Other signs to look out for are:

• Unexpected or urgent requests for payments, requests for bank details or sensitive information
• Emails that pressure you to act fast or keep things confidential
• Messages with unfamiliar links, attachments or sender addresses. This will include email addresses claiming to be from the council that do not end in @somerset.gov.uk, or with phone numbers that are not council phone numbers

Tips:

• Always verify unexpected requests for payments or changes to financial details using a known contact method, such as your Housing Rent Officer
• Be cautious with emails that seem out of the ordinary, even if they appear to come from the Council