Fake power bill scam: The VERY convincing letter sent to hundreds of Australians - and why you shouldn't open it
- A councillor has issued an urgent warning over an electricity bill grant scam
- The fake Brisbane City Council letter offered residents a $1,860 bill grant
- It urged residents in northern Brisbane to contact a fake council number
- Brisbane City Council has reported the scam letter to Queensland Police
Brisbane residents have been duped by a cruel letter scam that claims to offer a massive reduction on their power bills.
The fake Brisbane City Council letters tell north Brisbane residents they will receive a one-off $1,860 coronavirus grant to help with electricity bills.
'It is with joy that we inform you of your successful qualifications for the newly-introduced Council COVID-19 grant,' the letter read.
An urgent warning has been issued over a fake Brisbane City Council letter (pictured above) which offers north Brisbane residents a $1,860 electricity bill grant during coronavirus
The letter was written with Brisbane City Council colours and encouraged residents to call a mobile number to check their eligibility for the grant.
It was addressed to residents in the north Brisbane postcodes 4017 and 4034, which include suburbs like Aspley, Brighton, Carseldine and Geebung.
The letter said the grant allowed residents 'who have lost income due to the COVID-19 outbreak to receive a one-off grant of up to $1,860 off your electricity bill.'
'In response to concerns regarding the community and funding not being sufficient enough for the region, the Brisbane City Council have been working closely with your local councillor to provide this funding to the broader community.
'If you have concerns, questions or queries regarding this grant and your household's eligibility, please contact the 24-hour Brisbane City Council call service,' the letter read.
Councillor Angela Owen, from south Brisbane, warned all residents to be wary of the false letter on Thursday.
'If you receive this fake letter please immediately contact the Brisbane City Council Contact Centre,' she wrote in a Facebook post.
Councillor Angela Owen issued a Facebook warning on Thursday (pictured) and urged residents to avoid contacting the fake number and report the letters to Brisbane City Council
'Please do not call the mobile number in this letter - it is a scam.
'Brisbane City Council does not offer grants or rebates for electricity bills nor would you be directed to a mobile number for our 24 hour Contact Centre.'
'There may be other versions circulating for other postcodes.
'Please share on Facebook and pass on to older residents who may not be on Facebook,' she said.
Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner told Daily Mail Australia he was 'extremely concerned' about the scam letter.
'Queensland Police has been informed.
'Whoever is responsible for circulating this fake letter has intentionally been extremely heartless when there are so many Brisbane residents who are doing it tough right now,' he said.
Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia they had been made aware of the scam.
Brisbane City Council (pictured) reported the scam letters to Queensland Police
