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# Scammer targeting Suffolk businesses with fake council licence demands
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/scammer-targeting-suffolk-businesses-with-fake-council-licence-demands/
- Published: 2025-01-15T08:10:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:25:35.000Z
- Description: A fraudster posing as a council worker is targeting licensed premises across Suffolk, demanding payments for supposed expired licences. Three businesses have already been targeted, with one making the payment.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Scams & Consumer Safety, Business, #article, Ipswich Borough Council, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**The big picture:** Suffolk Trading Standards and five local councils have issued an urgent warning after receiving reports of a man visiting licensed premises claiming to work for the local authority.

**Why it matters:** The scammer, who identifies himself as Matthew O'Donnell, is targeting licensed premises by:

- Claiming their licences have expired
- Demanding immediate payment of £206 for a 10-year licence
- Providing bank account and sort code details that don't match official council records

![A man on the phone at his cafe](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1736928603-premises-licence-scam-1.png)

A fraudster posing as a council worker is targeting licensed premises across Suffolk, demanding payments for supposed expired licences

**How to spot the scam:** Local authorities emphasise that they:

- Never make unsolicited calls about licence payments
- Don't send representatives to collect payments in person
- Won't pressure businesses for immediate payment

**What to do if you're targeted:** Trading Standards advises business owners to:

- Contact their local council's licensing department before making any payments
- Report suspicious activity to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040
- Call their bank immediately if they've made a payment

**The bottom line:** All Suffolk councils – including Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk, Babergh, East Suffolk and West Suffolk – are urging business owners to remain vigilant and verify any licensing payment requests through official channels.

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