Businesses across Peterborough warned of scams targeting owners of licenced premises
Scammers are pretending to be a licensing officer and are contacting businesses directly claiming their annual licensing fees are overdue
Last updated 7th May 2025
Peterborough City Council is warning businesses to be vigilant following recent reports of a scam targeting owners of licenced premises across the city.
The scam involves a fake licensing officer contacting businesses directly and claiming their annual licensing fees are overdue.
The council says:
"A recent incident involved a man using a mobile phone number and calling a business owner, demanding immediate payment
"It is important for all licensed premises to remain cautious. If you are unsure about any communication, please contact the council directly for confirmation".
Councillor Alison Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said:
"Supporting Peterborough's businesses is a top priority for us, and we are dedicated to helping them succeed.
"Our licensing team will always send reminder letters for annual fees first, which will contain a link to our website. Any payment requests will come from a Peterborough landline number, not a mobile.
"The majority of payments are paid to us online through our website. Officers will never call and ask directly for payment. Scammers will go to great lengths to exploit businesses, so we urge people to be vigilant and protect their establishments."