London,
31
July
2011
|
23:00
Europe/London

Be aware of Council Tax refund scam

Hackney s Trading Standards team is urging residents to be aware of a Council Tax scam which is currently operating in the borough.

The scam involves telephone calls to residents from individuals claiming to be from the Council or the Treasury calling on behalf of the Council. They then ask for bank details in order to collect a payment or issue a refund. In some instances, residents are also being asked to contribute a charitable donation via Western Union.

In most cases the Council Tax office will notify residents of any refunds due in writing. On occasion the Council Tax office will phone residents to discuss payment; however a genuine Council officer will already have all the necessary information and will not require confirmation of bank details.

If you have any doubt as to the authenticity of the call, please take the caller s name and extension number and call the Council s switchboard on 020 8356 3000 and ask for that extension number. You could also check the authenticity of the number by comparing it to what is printed in your local phone book.

If anyone calls claiming they are from the Council and you are due a Council Tax refund, it will be a scam. If this happens, contact the Council s Trading Standards team immediately on 020 8356 4929 or visit http://www.hackney.gov.uk/council-tax-scam.htm for more information.