Businesses in Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire are being urged to be vigilant after claims a fake licensing officer has been contacting premises and demanding overdue annual fees.
A spokesperson said: “Our licensing officers have been contacted by local businesses who have reported a scam phone call involving requests for money.
“In two instances, our Officers have reported that businesses were called by a person demanding immediate payment and threatening to suspend their licence.
“Thankfully, the victim did not give the person any details and contacted the Team to check the call was legitimate.”
The scam involves a fake licensing officer contacting businesses directly and claiming their annual licensing fees are overdue.
It is important for all licensed premises to remain cautious. If you are unsure about any communication, contact the licensing team for confirmation on [email protected] or 01635 519184.
“Scammers will go to great lengths to exploit businesses, so we urge people to be vigilant and protect their establishments.”
Councillor Tom McCann, the chairman of the joint public protection committee said: “Supporting local businesses is a top priority for the public protection partnership by creating an atmosphere where legitimate and compliant businesses can thrive and not have their interests undermined by those who choose not to comply.
“Our licensing team will always send reminder letters for annual fees first. If you receive a call out of the
blue, do not provide any personal information over the phone. Instead hang up and call the team directly on the numbers provided above.”
The public protection partnership is a shared service delivering environmental health, licensing and trading standards to people and businesses on behalf of Bracknell Forest council, and West Berkshire council.
It works jointly with Wokingham borough council to provide a trading standards, financial investigation and case management service across the three authority areas.
