This in from the council, in their own words, Ed
Trading Standards are warning local residents about a telephone based council tax scam, which has been reported locally.
Scammers have reportedly called local residents claiming to be able to help them to receive a refund for overpayment of council tax. Other proposed services include the re-banding or ‘correction’ of properties’ council tax bands.
The caller may seem genuine, as they have acquired knowledge about the length of time residents have lived in their property.
They are then asking for an upfront payment of £60+. The callers may also claim to have resident’s bank details, and request the ‘security code’ from the back of their debit card signature block.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Executive Member for public protection, said:
“This is a particularly clever scam, one that could be targeted at anybody, as it could relate to anybody paying for council tax. The council is the only organisation that holds information about council tax payers and will always quote the relevant account number in the event of telephoning residents.
“If you receive such a telephone call and are concerned, please do not give out your personal bank details or commit to pay any upfront fee.”
You can manage your own council tax payments online via a secure account via the council’s website. You can also call the council on 01983 821000.
Information about council tax bands is available online.
If you have a query about your council tax banding, please call: 03000 501 501 or email [email protected].
Trading Standards advice is to never give out any bank details to anyone who cold calls you about the provision of a service.
