Elderly Sidmouth woman targeted in scam phone call

East Devon District Council have warned residents of a scam phone call after a Sidmouth woman was contacted about a fake increase in council tax.

An elderly lady, who lives in Sidmouth, was targeted last week when she received a call from a man calling himself David Morris and pretending to be from East Devon District Council's legal team.

He said that, because the value of her property had gone up, she was in the wrong council tax band so was being charged incorrectly.

He told her she owed £98 and when she said she could not make the payment there and then, he said he would call back tomorrow to take the payment.

Fortunately, the woman called the council straight away and was advised that this was a scam.

EDDC's 'legal team' would never contact a resident regarding council tax.

Officers would also never contact a resident by phone, out of the blue, about a re-banding – a resident would be well aware of any re-banding and it would only happen in specific circumstances.

If a resident ever thinks that a call might be a scam, end the phone call and call EDDC directly on its secure line – 01395 517446.