Warning as bogus callers pose as council officers to offer food parcels for payment
Residents in Sandwell are being warned about suspected bogus callers – after people posing as council officers were seen offering food parcels for payment.
Sandwell Council has urged people to stay vigilant, with leaders saying genuine council officers would not ask for money.
A spokesman for the authority said: "We’ve had reports of people pretending to be from Sandwell Council, offering food parcels – and asking for payment.
"Please don’t be fooled - genuine council officers will not ask for money now. Paying for anything the council helps you with during this time can be sorted out at a later date.
"Remember; if anyone turns up saying they are from the council and we haven’t called you first (and they don’t have council identification) do not let them in.
"If the council is helping you at this time our staff will not ask for payment.
"Do not hand over money to a stranger and never share your PIN number."
