Council warning over fake licensing scam

Businesses are being urged to be vigilant after fake licensing officers have been demanding overdue payments in Derbyshire, a council said.

Bolsover District Council said it had been made aware of fraudsters attempting to collect alleged licensing fee debts from premises.

The authority warned owners that a council officer would "never request" payment during a visit or over the phone, and would advise to pay using the information on their formal invoice.

Anyone concerned about the legitimacy of a call or visit has been urged to contact the council's licensing team.

The council said individuals had been posing as licensing officers by contacting businesses by phone or in person regarding outstanding annual fees.

It advised that an officer visiting a premises would "always carry and present" council identification.

The authority warned businesses that a formal invoice for licensing payment due would be directly issued to the premises, and all payments "must only be made" using the official details printed on the back of the invoice.

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