The Local Government Association (LGA) is warning that criminals posing as council staff are targeting people across the country in a new wave of council tax scams offering bogus refunds or threatening fines.

The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, says fraudsters are contacting residents by text, email and phone to con them out of money and access personal bank details. The scammers tell people they have either paid too much council tax and are due a refund, are in arrears or that their property is in the wrong council tax band.

The LGA is urging anyone who receives an email, text message or phone call offering a council tax refund (or demanding money) not to give out any personal information, particularly bank account and debit or credit card details. 

They should delete the email or text, block the sender and make sure they do not reply or click on any links. Any such phone calls should be brought to an end as quickly as possible.

If you have been the victim of fraud or would like further information on the types of fraud that are currently prevalent, visit the national ActionFraud website.

 

By Editor on 15th June 2019   /   News   /   Leave a comment