RESIDENTS of Hyndburn have been warned to beware 'scam' telephone calls from debt collectors claiming to be working on its behalf.
It has asked anyone contacted to alert officials to help track down the fraudsters,
The male caller is described as 'exceptionally convincing and forceful'.
A Hyndburn Council spokesman said: "We are aware of someone ringing residents claiming to be from a bailiff firm acting on our behalf.
"The caller is demanding immediate payment is made for non-declaration of, for example, running a business from home.
"When challenged by the resident because they haven’t had any correspondence from the council or bailiff about this prior to the phone call, they have been told if they hang up an extra charge of hundreds of pounds will be added.
"The council always gives prior notice to residents of arrears and payment options.
"Residents who receive such a phone call unexpectedly and have never had prior contact about debts should contact the council first before making any such payments. The information may assist the authorities in stopping this."
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