Peterborough city councillor speaks out after ‘being duped by fly tip scammers’

Central ward councillor Mahboob Hussain, said his family was duped by fly tipping scammers after household rubbish was dumped on land at Mallard Road business park.Cllr Hussain has, with the help of friends, neighbours and fellow Labour councillors, cleared all of the rubbish dumped on private land in Bretton.

Speaking for the first time since the incident took place, he said:

“I have been shielded throughout the lock down and had no idea that my family were trying to help me out by clearing the garage.

“It’s a valuable lesson for me. Not only because neither I nor may family had any idea how rife scams of all kinds are including fly tipping. I have been very grateful for the support given to me by fellow Labour councillors who know that I am not a fly tipper. The other valuable lesson I have learned is not to jump to conclusions about people who are the victims of scams. I will make sure that I speak to the people who have been scammed to see if they are aware before reporting them to the authorities; something I would certainly have appreciated.”

Councillor Hussain has made a full statement to the council department responsible for prevention and enforcement and awaits his fate as, in law, he remains liable for his waste until properly disposed of.

He said: “The good to come out of this is the Labour Group is now working with the Cambridge and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership, headed up by my fellow Labour councillor Dennis Jones.

“If we can prevent one person from falling victim the way my family have by this despicable crime that preys on the vulnerable, particularly at this time, then I will feel some good has come out of this.”

Labour Group leader, Shaz Nawaz, added: “Anyone can be a victim of a scam. In fact there a quite a few scams taking place at the moment especially online. The way Cllr Hussain has rectified the situation is exemplary. The Labour Group has a zero tolerance on flytipping. It is one of those issues that we will tackle head on if and when we tackle control of the council. I would advise everyone to remain vigilant and cautious of scammers.”