Colchester City Council is warning all businesses with a premises licence issued by the council, to remain vigilant following reports of a fraudster posing as a Licensing Officer.
The individual has been contacting businesses nationwide, including one in Basildon, claiming that annual premises licence fees are due and attempting to deceive by taking payments over the phone.
Colchester City Council’s Licensing team will always send invoices by post or email for annual fees, which include details on how to pay.
If you receive any suspicious calls, do not make a payment and contact the Licensing team directly at 01206 282520 for confirmation.
Stay alert and help us prevent fraud.
Page last reviewed: 4 April 2025