Warning - Email Scam

Scam Emails - Messages from Councillors

Scam messages have recently been sent to Council members that are a very convincing request for financial help, with a popular one now being for you to by gift cards, scratch the back off and send the picture of the code.

They are not asking for great amounts which is why what they are doing is quite convincing, so before replying to any request off any body, please be vigilant and check the address is correct and maybe double check by calling the sender.

A sample of message exchanges with a Councillor is below. It was not until he checked the actual address that he realised this was a scam!

From: Cllr. Richard Bestwick <executivecouncil173@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2020 9:38:48 AM
To: David Williams <david.williams@penyfforddcouncil.org>

Subject: Sorry to bother you

David, are you free at the moment?

Cllr. Richard Bestwick

On 10/15/20, David Williams <david.williams@penyfforddcouncil.org> wrote:

Yes Richard, do you need to call me?

From: Cllr. Richard Bestwick <executivecouncil173@gmail.com>

To: David Williams <david.williams@penyfforddcouncil.org>

Re. Sorry to bother you

David, I am in a conference meeting right now as I would be working till late midnight but need you to get me some gift cards. Could you pick a few Amazon gift cards for me, i tried purchasing online but no luck. When I'm done with the meeting I will reimburse you.

Kind Regards,

Cllr. Richard Bestwick

On 10/15/20, David Williams <david.williams@penyfforddcouncil.org> wrote:

How many, what purpose? any particular topic/theme/gender? Would Tesco ones be ok? Gifts for how much?

On 15 Oct 2020, at 10:02, Cllr. Richard Bestwick <executivecouncil173@gmail.com> wrote:

David, Thank you very much. You can purchase it at any store around you. Total amount needed is £400 (£100 denomination) that is 4 cards at £100 each. I need you to scratch the back of the card to reveal the
pin, then take a snap shot of the back showing the pin and have them attach to me. How soon can you get the cards?

Kind Regards,
Cllr. Richard Bestwick