Local scams
This page aims to keep you updated on scams that have been reported across the borough. For a list of scams that have been reported nationally, visit our national scams page.
This is an evolving list, and we’ll add new scams as we hear about them. You can help us to protect you and your community by continuing to report anything you think is suspicious. Find out more about how to report a scam.
For information about local scams, sign up to Action Fraud Alert.
Council Tax scam
Some residents have reported receiving emails claiming to be from the council, telling them that they're behind with their Council Tax and providing a link to check their payments. This is a scam – these emails have not been sent by us.
We do send emails and texts to residents who are behind with their Council Tax payments but we only ever send:
- emails from Stockport Council addresses ending @stockport.gov.uk
- texts from Stockport BC
Emails and texts sent by us will ask residents to visit the council website to make a payment.
You can report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Find out more about online safety.
Parking fine scam
Some residents have received text messages about paying a parking fine – this is a scam.
We’ll never contact you about a parking fine via text message. Do not respond to the text or click on any links. Forward it for free to 7726 so your phone provider can investigate. Then delete it.
Jobs scam
We're aware that jobseekers are being contacted on WhatsApp by people claiming to be from our jobs website, www.greater.jobs. These messages direct them to a fake recruitment website. This is a scam.
The greater.jobs team will never contact you on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or any other social media platform. While they do use social media to promote job vacancies, they do not use it to recruit or contact applicants. All our vacancies are listed on the greater.jobs website, and you must apply for the job using the application method on the job advert.
Make sure you:
- only visit www.greater.jobs
- do not share personal details on unofficial websites
- report any suspicious contact, links or activity to the greater.jobs team immediately using their website
Carecall scam
Some Carecall customers have recently received fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be from Carecall. These sometimes may be from a withheld number. This is a scam – these calls are not from Carecall.
The caller may ask for personal information and payment details or try to pressure you into taking immediate action on cheaper packages. If you get a phone call like this, do not share any personal information. Hang up immediately and then call Carecall to report it on 0161 218 1655.