Garden waste subscription scam

Last reported March 2026

A council has advised residents to "remain alert" following reports of counterfeit garden waste subscription leaflets being distributed.

Bassetlaw District Council became aware of the scam when a resident contacted them on Tuesday after receiving a suspicious leaflet by mail.

The council noted that the leaflet included a QR code directing users to a fraudulent payment website.

Residents who encounter the scam are encouraged to report it to the council and Report Fraud.

Councillor Darrell Pulk, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, immediately recognized the document as fake.

"The logo at the top does not match the council's emblem.

"It shows a leaf next to the words 'Bassetlaw District Council', but the genuine emblem is a map of Bassetlaw with 'B.C' inside a square box," he explained.

"We would only send authentic letters via Royal Mail, never a leaflet through the door, especially when requesting payment," Pulk stated.

Pulk emphasized the importance of public vigilance in identifying scams and encouraged anyone with concerns to reach out to the council.

"Please report it to Report Fraud online or call 03001232040, as the more information we gather about these leaflets, the more we can address the issue," he added.