Councils Warns Employees To Beware Of Bogus Phone Calls After Bank Details

24th December 2007

The Highland Council has issued a message to its staff advising them not to give out personal Bank details over the phone.

This warning has arisen due to the Council's Finance Service being alerted by employees who said that they had been contacted by telephone from individuals claiming to be from the Council's Payroll and Pensions office asking for personal Bank details to enable outstanding payments to be made.

In his message to staff, Charlie MacCallum, The Highland Council's Payroll and Pension Manager said: "Staff should be aware that these calls were not made from the Payroll and Pensions office and similar calls should be treated as suspicious and reported accordingly."

Bob Jones, Principal Trading Standards Officer with the Council's TEC Services added: "It is possible that these bogus phone callers may also be targeting employees of other organisations and businesses in the Highlands therefore we would urge everyone to be on their guard and never to give out their personal banking details over the phone to anyone.

"Although this may appear to be common sense advice, people can make mistakes especially at the Festive time of year when their guard is down. We urge everyone in the Highlands to have a happy time over Christmas and New Year and to keep their banking details secure."

Anyone who is concerned that they may have already given out their details over the phone - should contact their Bank for advice.