Warnings issued over alcohol licence renewal scam

Shops and businesses selling alcohol are being targeted by scammers posing as council staff seeking to swindle them out of cash, officials have warned.

Licensing officers said they had received reports of fraudsters advising businesses in East Lindsey that their alcohol licence had expired and needed to be renewed.

"This is incorrect, as alcohol licences do not expire or run out," a spokesperson for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership said.

Council officers are urging businesses across Lincolnshire to be cautious.

A joint statement from the partnership, which includes Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council, said the authorities were committed to protecting local businesses.

"These fraudsters can seem very convincing, sometimes having accurate information such as the fee amount or the names of council staff," a spokesperson said.

"Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour," they added.

The partnership also advised businesses who believe they have been targeted to contact their local council, Lincolnshire Police or Action Fraud.

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