Telephone Scam Awareness

Dear Resident,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you of a concerning issue that has recently come to my attention regarding a new scam that is circulating in our community. 

It has been reported that residents may receive unsolicited phone calls from unknown mobile or landline numbers, during which the caller claims that you could be eligible for a refund related to a vehicle you purchased over the past two decades.

The phone call typically begins with a simple greeting, such as "Hello." However, the conversation does not progress unless you respond to the initial greeting. 

As many of us instinctively reply with a polite "Yes?" or similar acknowledgment, we may inadvertently open ourselves up to potential exploitation. It's crucial to understand that this type of call often utilizes automated systems designed to record your responses. 

Scammers can manipulate these recordings to create the false impression that you have consented to agreements or services that you have never actually heard of or authorised.

The voice on the other end of the line can be remarkably convincing, making it difficult to determine whether you are speaking to a human or an automated system. 

This is a tactic used by scammers to gain your trust and extract personal information or financial details from you.

Therefore, I urge you to remain vigilant. If you receive a call from any unknown mobile or landline number that you do not recognise, please do not answer it. 

Instead, let it go to voicemail or simply hang up. Protecting your personal information is of utmost importance, and it is always better to err on the side of caution. 

If you have any concerns or questions about such calls, please feel free to reach out for further guidance or support.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter