Redlands Coast residents are being reminded to stay cyber safe amid recent reports of scammers attempting to impersonate Redland City Council staff on platforms such as social media.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said technology had increased the potential for people to be scammed, and Council had received reports of recent scam activity on Redlands Coast.
“Redland City Council supports a cyber-safe city,” she said.
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“Council takes seriously the safety of our community, and we urge everyone to be vigilant.
“The types of scams we’re seeing include contact with residents via digital and telephone communication, and falsely using Council’s branding to mimic being from Council.
“To hear that some Redlands Coast residents have received phone calls or digital contact from people who falsely claim to work for Council is very concerning.”
Council’s Chief Information Officer Mitch Miller said Council was taking steps to reduce scam activity to protect Council and the wider community.
“With the accessibility and reach of social media platforms, scammers and cyber criminals can easily impersonate corporate identities in an attempt to defraud our residents,” he said.
“Most platforms allow reporting of fraudulent pages which we actively undertake when made aware.
“Scammers can often take the opportunity to engage residents using incentives such as Council events and social media giveaways.”
It is important to remember that Council will only contact you via phone (07 3829 8999), email ([email protected]), or an official social media account.
If you receive correspondence that seems suspicious, you can verify it against Council’s official contact details.
For further information on known scams and how to stay safe, please visit Home | Scamwatch.
If you have been impacted by a scam or cyber incident and require support, please contact Report | Cyber.gov.au.
Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.
