Wyndham City Council: Residents warned of potential scam as fake council staff attend homes with surveys

Wyndham residents have been warned to not let anyone into their home claiming to be from the council after dozens of complaints were made about “suss” scammers.

Tarneit residents have been placed on alert after reports men posing as Wyndham City Council staff requested to enter homes to conduct suverys about ratepayer satisfaction.

Residents in Melbourne’s west have been warned of potential scammers posing as council staff after reports of men asking to enter homes and conduct fake surveys.

Wyndham City Council advised residents to be vigilant and not let unknown persons into their homes after a number of complaints from locals who were approached to complete surveys reportedly about council satisfaction.

One Tarneit man told the Herald Sun a man visited his home over the weekend with a clipboard and lanyard, claiming to be from Wyndham council before he asked to come inside and complete a questionnaire.

The resident rejected the man and told him to leave immediately.

Wyndham Council have confirmed they are not conducting surveys and have warned residents of the potential scam.

A Hoppers Crossing woman said she was visited by the scammers who asked about ratepayer satisfaction but said she was “fully aware” it seemed “suss”.

Another resident said a man showed up at her house after 5pm without identification and wanted to fill a survey despite having nothing to write on.

Some residents speculated it could have been volunteers from Council Watch Victoria, but the watchdog quickly dismissed those claims.

Council Watch president Dean Hurlston said it was not conducting any authorised door knocking.

Council Watch president Dean Hurlston squashed any rumours the watchdog was involved.

 
“All our surveys are done online or at official events. Online surveys only ever ask name and email – we do not record ANY address or personal details as it is not necessary,” Mr Hurlston said.

“If anyone comes to your door claiming to be from Council or Council Watch ask for their ID and take photos of them to provide to police. This could be scammers so please keep yourself protected.”

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Wyndham councillor Susan McIntyre confirmed a number of residents had reached out and she relayed it to council staff.

“If you feel personally threatened then please do contact the police,” Ms McIntyre said.

Former mayor Susan McIntyre said residents reached out to her over the issue and said anyone who felt unsafe should contact police.

A council spokeswoman said it was contacted by a number of Tarneit residents about the issue.

“Wyndham City has advised residents that Council is currently not conducting any surveys or questionnaires and residents should not allow anyone they do not know into their homes,” the spokeswoman said.

Residents were advised to contact police if they are concerned.

It comes as communities battling surging crime in Melbourne’s west slammed the recent move to close police stations overnight.

A Victoria Police spokesman said there was not enough information provided to comment.