Council Tax scam - beware!

DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THE COUNCIL TAX SCAMS

With the end of the paid council tax year coming up fraudsters are targeting the public with various scams relating to council tax refunds.

One local council in Stafford has received reports from residents being phoned by scammers purporting to be from the council, requesting their bank details to refund overpaid council tax. Reports of fraudsters operating a similar scam have been received across the UK. All UK residents should be vigilant about this type of scam.

Other scammers say they are from the Valuation Office Agency, or council officials, who tell them they are eligible for thousands of pounds in a council tax rebate or eligible to have their banding reviewed. In these cases, most victims are asked to provide their credit card or bank account details so the money can be refunded. There have been instances where the caller has asked for a one-off administration fee so the refund can be processed.

Councils do offer refunds on genuine council tax payments. These refunds are given free of charge – you should never be asked to pay a fee to receive a refund and councils would not call and ask someone to give out their bank details over the phone.

If such calls are received then speak to your local council. Councils will be liaising with the police and trading standards regarding any similar incidents. Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for a refund should contact their local council directly on a verified phone number.

If you have lost money to any type of fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.