Warning Over Council Tax Scam

South Bucks District Council has issued a renewed warning to residents to be on their guard against bogus officials offering Council Tax refunds.

There have been many incidents reported of this scam across the country and cases have recently been reported locally.

The fraudsters operate by ringing and pretending to be from the Council, valuation office or some other company which deals with changes to Council Tax banding. They suggest that the resident is due a refund with the aim of obtaining personal and bank details. The latest scam involves the caller offering the resident a refund but in order for this to happen the resident has to pay £100 into a Post Office account. A number being used to call from is 0207 193 6558.

South Bucks District Council reminds residents that it would never use telephone or e-mail to request details of bank accounts to refund overpayments of Council Tax. Neither would it charge for such a service. Anyone due a refund would receive a bill detailing exactly how much they are owed.

South Bucks District Councillor Julian Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Resources says, “These scams can be stopped simply by being vigilant and using common sense. Keep your bank and credit card details safe and never give out your PIN number. if you are entitled to a council tax refund, the council will send you a letter showing how much you are owed and offering the option of either deducting the amount from your next council tax bill or providing a refund.

If you are unsure if a caller is genuine, ask them for their name, job title and extension number and call them back through the council switchboard on 01895 837200.”

Anyone in doubt about the legitimacy of calls concerning Council Tax in South Bucks should contact the Council Tax team on 01895 837500 or e-mail ctax@southbucks.gov.uk