Birmingham fraud warning after 17,000 tonnes of dumped waste on streets in bin strike
Bin raiders could search through waste bags containing personal information in the city
Birmingham residents are being warned they could be at risk of fraud with an estimated 17,000 tonnes of waste dumped on streets during the bin strike.
Scammers could access confidential mail left among the rubbish as bin bags are piled high out in the open.
Raiders could target overflowing bins containing personal information from old letters and documents as the bin strike rumbles into its fourth week, according to experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk.
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'Bin raiders' is the term for people who look through rubbish that does not belong to them to find anything of value.
While the prize can sometimes be items like old credit cards, often they look for documents with identifying details that can be used to carry out financial scams.
Information like a name, address, contact information, or financial details can allow people to commit fraud, blackmail, or identity theft.
The all-out strike is into a fifth week after it began on Tuesday, March 11.
The union Unite launched the action over pay and Birmingham City Council's plan to scrap a job role on bin wagons.
What can residents do?
Residents were advised to shred documents that include details like a name, address, contact information and financial details.
If you don’t have access to a shredder, tear documents by hand or use scissors. Any shredded paper should be added to general waste as it‘s often too small to be recycled. Alternatively, it can be added to a compost pile.
Alongside this, you should ensure that your social media profiles and online presence are well protected. These profiles can allow scammers to piece together information about you to access accounts or retrieve missing details they need.
Lastly, you should regularly check your bank accounts and emails to spot any suspicious activity early, report it, and take appropriate steps if needed.
'Bin raiding is a common practice'
Mark Hall, Birmingham waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “The bin strikes are not only causing an environmental hazard to residents, but could also present the risk of financial harm.
"Bin raiding is a common practice, and while many who do it are looking for unwanted valuable items to take, others are criminals hoping to find personal documents.
“Birmingham council has revealed they believe there are 17,000 tonnes of waste on the streets, meaning there’s ample opportunity for fraudsters.
"Shredding personal mail and other items containing your details is something we’d recommend as standard anyway, but it’s now vital for Birmingham residents given the ongoing situation.”