Evening all, 

We received a report today stating that 2 individuals implied they were doing garden work on behalf of the council and offered to cut the hedges at the rear of a member of the public's property, to which they agreed. When suspicious arose, the council was called who confirmed they had no one out doing work today, and that another person had also called them with a similar concern. A short time later the 2 individuals returned and demanded payment, when refusing to pay, the individuals allegedly threatened the member of the public and their property. 

Fraudsters will frequently try and rush you, but it is always recommended to Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams

Things to look out for include:

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, please remember that it is not your fault.

Please report to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Victims First provides free emotional and practical support to victims and witnesses of crime, including family members of victims. Contact them on 0300 1234 148, by Online Chat or via an Online Referral.

The Fraud Protection Toolkit focuses on the contact routes used by fraud criminals and provides the actions which someone may choose to take to try and minimise the risk as much as possible.

It also includes sections on how to safeguard personal information and finances, as well as a dedicated section detailing how it may be possible to recover money lost to fraud.

Please share information of this alert within your communities to help prevent further instances.