Council-tax scammers target resort

CARAVAN owners in Porthcawl’s Trecco Bay resort have been targeted by scammers claiming to be collecting council tax.

Bridgend County Borough Council is warning residents not to reveal bank details, or hand over any cash to the door-knockers.

The scam coincides with genuine council officials canvassing the area as part of electoral registration proceedings.

The scammers have been asking residents to fill out a form and provide bank details to pay for their council tax.

The council are reminding residents that official officers will always carry ID and will never collect council tax payments on doorsteps.

The confusion between these genuine officers and scammers has meant some people are being duped. Scammers have also been targeting people through an online council tax rebate email that has been circulating recently.

A council spokesman said: “We’ve been made aware that scammers have been knocking doors at Trecco Bay in Porthcawl to try and trick people with a fake council tax offer, but it is a scam.

“The impersonators have been demanding that people provide their bank details in order to pay for their council tax.

“Genuine council officers, such as the electoral register canvassers who are also in the area, will never collect council tax payments or ask for your bank details on the doorstep.

“Our electoral canvassers carry full identification and should not be confused with these council tax scammers.”