Council Tax scams
There have recently been reports of Council Tax scams across the country.
If you receive an email, text message or phone call offering a Council Tax refund or a Council Tax band reassessment, do not give out any personal information, particularly bank account or debit or credit card details. Delete any emails or texts straight away and block the sender; do not reply or click on any links. If you receive a phone call, end the call as quickly as possible.
If you are in any doubt please call us on 01304 872199. If you have been a victim please contact us and the Police straight away, and report it to Action Fraud.
General advice for staying safe online is available on the Get Safe Online website.
Council Tax overpayment refund scam
We are aware of recent scam calls asking for resident’s date of birth and bank details for a Council Tax overpayment refund. If you have overpaid Council Tax and can claim a refund, we will write to you.
If you want to apply for a Council Tax refund, you can complete our online form.
Council Tax Support/Reduction
People have received emails stating that they can claim Council Tax Support/Reduction and that they are due a refund which will be credited to their debit or credit card. If you receive an email, phone call or text message of this nature please delete it or end the call, we will never do this.
Please do not give your card details to anyone unless you are sure about who you are paying. If you're unsure please call us on 01304 872199.
If you want to claim Council Tax Support/Reduction, please complete our online claim form.
Council Tax refunds
People have received text messages, phone calls and emails stating that they are due a Council Tax refund and are asked to give their bank or credit or debit card details in order to receive it. In some cases, scammers are offering to claim back a refund for a fee.
If you have overpaid Council Tax and can claim a refund, we will write to you. We will never charge you a fee for this.
If you want to apply for a Council Tax refund, you can complete our online form.
Council Tax banding
People have received text messages, phone calls and emails stating that their home is in the wrong Council Tax band and offered a reassessment or a refund, for a fee.
If you want to have your Council Tax banding reassessed, you should contact the Valuation Office Agency who provide this service for free.
Council Tax re-bandings
People have been contacted by a private company regarding Council Tax re-bandings, requesting £150 for this service. Residents are able to do this themselves, no charge involved, by visiting GOV.UK Check your Council Tax band web page.
Council Tax arrears
People have been contacted and told that they are in arrears with their Council Tax and asked for their bank or credit or debit card details to make payment.
If you are in arrears with your Council Tax, will we write to you in the first instance. We may phone you to ask for payment in some cases. If you are in any doubt about the person calling you, end the call as quickly as possible and call us on 01304 872199.