Michaela Meade
Hume councillor Naim Kurt says he is “beyond disgusted” after a scam letter – purporting to be from him – was sent out to ratepayers, directing them to pay money to Hume council or risk being jailed.
The letter, seen by Star Weekly, was sent to “at least 100” Hume ratepayers around Gladstone Park, according to Cr Kurt.
It directs people to pay $187.87 to a bank account, which the letter claims belongs to Hume council, and threatens jail time if the person does not pay within two days.
“I have reviewed your rates and found that unfortunately you are currently in breach of the council rates and invoices act,” the letter claims.
“As your local councillor, I have managed to arrange a great discount for you. If you pay just $187.87 as a one-off payment, I can manage to wave (sic) your rates for the next 12 months. This is a discount on account of Covid crisis.
“If you do not pay your rates, then there is nothing I can do. You will be reported to the local law enforcement agency who will arrest you with severe jail time!
“This could result in your being placed into the local prison system for up to 20 years without parole. I will not be able to protect you at this point.
“I can protect you but only if you make this payment.”
Cr Kurt said his signatured had been forged on the letter, which also bears the Hume council and Victoria Police logos.
He said he was “beyond disgusted to see my name used in this horrible scam, to steal money from vulnerable ratepayers”.
“That’s not me,” Cr Kurt said.
“People are really, very vulnerable at the moment, people are struggling.
“There have been job losses and so much uncertainty.
“Some of the community may be susceptible to this kind of scam.
“Whoever has done this, really needs to take a hard look at themselves.
“This is a criminal matter, and has been handed to police.
“It’s something that is damaging to my name, and not something I would ever do.
“I want to let everyone know that it’s 100 per cent not from me.”
Police and council have been contacted for comment.
