Council’s General Manger Dave Walker has asked residents to be vigilant after reports that scammers are posing as Council officers and demanding hundreds of dollars to replace rubbish bins.
Council is aware of a senior resident who was convinced to hand over $550 to a fraudster posing as a Council officer. The offender told the senior resident, who is dealing with dementia, that his bin needed to be replaced.
Mr Walker said he was incredibly frustrated by the incident.
“This resident is dealing with the challenges of mental illness and has been duped by a fraudster. These people have absolutely no empathy or sympathy and will prey on the most vulnerable people in our community,” Mr Walker said.
“Council does not send officers out to demand cash from residents for bins. I would advise all residents to call Council on (02) 9843 0555 if they are faced with similar requests.”
“If you believe you have fallen victim to a similar incident, please contact NSW Police.”