Hinchinbrook Shire Council Warns Residents of Urgent Phone Scam Threat

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Issues Urgent Alert Over Phone Scam Targeting Locals

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has released an urgent warning to residents regarding a concerning phone scam that is actively targeting the community. The council is advising all locals to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls, particularly those that appear to be from official sources.

Details of the Scam Operation

The scam involves callers who impersonate council representatives or other trusted authorities. These fraudsters often use sophisticated tactics to deceive residents, such as spoofing phone numbers to make them seem legitimate. They may demand personal information, payment for fake fines, or access to financial accounts under false pretences.

Council officials have emphasised that legitimate council communications will never pressure residents for immediate payments or sensitive details over the phone. Residents are urged to verify any suspicious calls by contacting the council directly through official channels listed on their website or in local directories.

Community Response and Safety Measures

In response to this threat, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is working closely with local law enforcement to investigate the scam and protect the community. They have provided the following safety tips for residents:

• Do not share personal information such as bank details, passwords, or identification numbers with unknown callers.
• Hang up immediately if a caller becomes aggressive or demands urgent action.
• Report suspicious calls to the council and relevant authorities to help track and prevent further fraud.
• Educate family and friends about the scam to spread awareness and reduce victimisation.

The council has also reminded residents that scams like these can have serious financial and emotional impacts, and staying informed is key to prevention. They encourage the community to stay updated through official council announcements and local news sources.