Public told to be on guard against new Council Tax scam

Warnings raised about vishing scam by National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

Watch out for a new scam that fraudsters are using to get hold of your banking details. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau is warning people to be on their guard against a new Council Tax-related vishing scam.

Fraudsters are calling victims, telling them that they have been in the wrong Council Tax bracket for years and are entitled to a rebate. They typically say the victim is due a £7,000 repayment.

Then they say that the victim needs to pay an administration fee in order to receive the rebate. This fee is between £60 and £350. Once the victim has paid the fee they hear nothing more from the scammers and receive no money.

When they get in touch with the council it turns out they are due no rebate at all and are not in the wrong Council Tax bracket.

Widening the net

Action Fraud said that is had received 16 reports of this council tax scam since mid-July. So far, reports have been confined to people aged over 60 in the Sussex area, but it is expected the fraudsters will soon widen their net.

“Fraudsters are relentless and will work tirelessly to find new ways to convince people to part with their money,” said Pauline Smith, head of Action Fraud. “These criminals make several calls and will be particularly convincing and provide good reason for why the person should make immediate payment. We urge people to be vigilant and never respond to these callers who are simply trying to scam you.”

How to protect yourself from phone scams

You can take simple steps to stop yourself falling victim to a telephone fraudster:

1. Never respond to unsolicited phone calls
2. Your council won’t ever phone you unexpectedly to discuss a Council Tax rebate. If you receive a phone call like that hang up straight away.
3. No legitimate company or organisation will ask you to pay an advanced fee in order to receive money. Don’t ever give out your card details in response to this kind of request.
4. If you think you have been a victim of a telephone fraud hang up the phone. Wait a few minutes to clear the line as some fraudsters will stay on the line at their end. If possible use a different phone line. Then call your bank or credit card issuer and report the fraud.
5. Sign up to the Action Fraud Alert to receive information about scams in your area.

You can report a fraud to the police via Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

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