Beware of bogus ‘enforcement officer’ scam

Businesses in Brighton & Hove are being warned of a scam taking place in the city.

A man claiming he is an 'enforcement officer' from the ‘British Council’ is trying to con companies by saying they must pay a fine or various licence fees under the Licensing Act 2003.

One unsuspecting business paid the scammer £300 cash for an Operation Incence (spelling on the form, see picture). The council has also had reports of the man visiting a nail bar, a massage premises, a car wash and two restaurants.

The city council points out that all its licensing officers carry council photo ID badges and never take payments in cash as anyone having to pay a fine has 14 days to do so.

Any official licence charges are started by invoices, and requests for late payment are made by letter.

Anyone approached the man, or concerned they may be being scammed, is advised to call the police on 101.