Redland City Council is urging residents to stay alert after a series of suspected phone phishing incidents targeting the local community.
The warning follows multiple reports of unsolicited calls from individuals falsely claiming to represent Council, prompting concerns about the safety of residents’ personal information.
Phishing is a scam in which a person falsely claims to be from a trusted organisation, to trick people into giving personal or sensitive information.
Council said it had been made aware of recent incidents where residents were contacted and asked to provide details that would not typically be required for standard Council services.
During these calls, residents have been asked for personal or sensitive information, including details that would not typically be required for standard Council services.
Authorities have stressed that Council will never request highly sensitive information such as passwords, banking details, or other identifying data without proper verification processes.
Nor does Council doorknock, offering rebates or incentives.
Residents who are unsure about the legitimacy of a call or email are being encouraged to verify the contact through official Council channels.
“If you’re not sure whether a Council call or email is genuine, please contact Council through an official contact channel,” the release states.
Council can be contacted via phone on (07) 3829 8999, by email at [email protected], online through its official website, or in person at Customer Service Centres in Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point.
Residents are also being reminded to take basic precautions to protect themselves from scams, including not sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited callers, hanging up and contacting organisations directly if unsure, and being wary of callers creating urgency or pressure.
Suspicious calls can be reported to ScamWatch, while further cybersecurity advice is available on Council’s website.
