Businesses warned to beware rent con
Businesses in the Mansfield district are being warned to be on their guard against a con artist claiming to be chasing rent payments on behalf of Mansfield District Council.
Two concerned business owners have called the Council today after receiving calls this morning from a woman demanding a quarter's rent which she claimed was outstanding.
Both businesses do rent property from the Council. On both occasions the lady claiming to work for the authority used the name of a former employee from the Council's Finance Department.
Both businesses declined to make payment and contacted Mansfield District Council immediately.
The incidents have been reported to the Police. Mansfield District Council is urging businesses to let them know if they receive similar calls.
Mick Andrews, Head of Finance, Property and Revenue Services at Mansfield District Council said: "These incidents are especially concerning because the con artist used the name of a former employee who did, occasionally, contact businesses regarding their rent account.
"It is fairly rare for us to telephone a firm about outstanding rent on a Council business premises and we will always send an official invoice and reminder first.
"If any business has any doubt about the authenticity of a caller from Mansfield District Council we would urge them to check by telephoning the Council. Never agree to make a payment unless you are absolutely sure you are talking to a bone fide employee."
Any business which thinks it may have been contacted by a bogus caller regarding business premises rent payments should call 01623 463 398.