Be on guard against licensing scam, businesses told

Businesses in Exeter are being urged to be on guard against a scam after an off-licence was conned out of money. 

The off-licence was telephoned by an individual claiming to be from Exeter City Council. Unfortunately the individual making the call was a scammer. 

The business was told that their premises licence for selling alcohol was due and asked for a payment to be made over the phone or they could wait for an invoice the next day. 

The business decided to pay over the phone and gave their payment details. On checking later, they discovered the call was a scam and the payment had been made to an online account. 

A City Council spokesperson said license holders can check with the Council when their fee is due and should not make payment until they receive a reminder in writing from the Council.