OXFORD City Council is warning residents to be wary of scams over the Christmas season.
It said it sees an increase in the number of cons over the next couple of months. A recent scam saw a brazen conman posing as an Oxford City Council officer and calling at an Oxford resident's home. They demanded the occupant pay a fine to them for having an untidy garden.
All council employees carry verifiable ID and if in doubt whether the member of staff is genuine, the council will be able to verify them in a quick phone call.
Councillor Ed Turner, board member for finance, asset management and public health, said: "Sadly the season of goodwill is also the season of scams.
"Oxford City Council’s highly effective anti-fraud team works in partnership with the police, the National Anti-Fraud Network and other agencies to combat many types of fraud.
"Anyone who is uncertain about a phone call or email they receive that claims to be from Oxford City Council, or has someone knock on their door who claims to be one of our staff, can report it to the team on fraud@oxford.gov.uk or by phoning 01865 252333."
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