Residents are being warned of the risk of bogus callers after householders in the city were contacted by people falsely claiming to be Council Tax workers.
Swansea Council has told anyone approached to check for ID and ask for paperwork which will include their correct Council Tax reference.
If they are not certain they should shut the door on the caller and contact the Council Tax section on 01792 635382 for confirmation.
The warning comes after the Council was contacted by family of an 89-year-old who had a call at her house last week from someone saying they were from Council Tax.
The caller said she needed to pay money to him there and then for her Council Tax or she would have her house taken off her.
The lady asked for ID but she was not shown it and, realising she was being confronted by a bogus caller, she managed to shut and lock the door.
In another incident a man contacted the Council saying he was contacted by the Council Tax team by phone who alleged he had arrears and needed to pay up straight away.
The customer had just paid so he knew the caller was bogus. He hung up and contacted the Council.
The incidents follow a scam which hit the area last year where bogus callers demanded bank details for the promise of Council Tax rebates.
Rose McCreesh, Swansea Council’s Revenues and Benefits Manager, said: “These are cruel scams aimed to scare people into handing over money or allowing someone to gain access to their home.
“If a genuine Council Tax worker phones or calls a member of the public they will properly identify themselves and will provide identification and an accurate Council Tax reference
“If the householder is unsure they should contact the Council Tax section on 01792 635382 for confirmation.
“Residents should always check the ID of any unexpected caller at their home and feel confident to turn them away while they check them out.”
A South Wales Police spokesman said: “We would urge people to ask for ID if someone calls at their door and to come forward if they have fallen victim to this scam. They can contact us on the 101 number.”
