Council tax conmen targeting region

Warning over offers of bogus refunds

FRAUD: Househeolders across Yorkshire are facing a “barrage” of council tax scams offering bogus refunds or threatening fines, as one police force announces a year-long crackdown on fraud.

Criminals are targeting people via text, email and phone, offer to claim refunds on their behalf for a “fee”.

HOUSEHOLDERS ACROSS Yorkshire are facing a “barrage” of council tax scams offering bogus refunds or threatening fines, as one police force announces a year long crackdown on fraud.

Criminals are targeting people via text, email and phone, stating they have either paid too much council tax and are due a refund, which they offer to claim on their behalf for a “fee”, or demand payment arrears.

Another scam aims to convince people their property is in the wrong council tax band and offers to secure a refund, again in return for payment.

Fees of £150 have been quoted in the scams which falsely claim to be from local councils or the Valuation Office Agency in a bid to appear official.

Some also use the Government’s Gov.UK branding in text messages and often include a link to a fake website to claim the refund.

Simon Blackburn, chair of the Local Government Association’s safer and stronger communities board, said: “Cold-hearted criminals are using more convincing council tax scams which are being sent out barrage-style and reported by local authorities all across the country.

“These council tax scams can damage people’s lives, both financially and emotionally, and anyone can be fooled by them, especially

if they appear to look official.

“Anyone who is contacted about a council tax refund or assessment over their council tax band which includes a request for personal information and bank details should ignore it and report it.

“Councils will never phone, text or email residents to ask for a payment to release a council tax refund or ask for personal bank details.

“Most fraud is preventable if individuals and businesses follow simple advice, but victims shouldn’t suffer in silence or feel embarrassed. By reporting a scam, people can help someone else avoid being a victim.”

Humberside Police has launched a year long campaign to help the public fight back against fraudsters as it was revealed £23,000 is lost to fraudsters in the force area every day.

The force is hosting a number of fraud roadshow events across the area every month over the next year where they will share stories from real victims.

Detective Sergeant Ben Robinson said: “Tackling fraud is a key priority for us.

“Whilst these heartless fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated in the way they deceive people, it only takes a few simple steps to stay safe and protect yourself and those that you care about.

“We want to give people the tools and knowledge to spot frauds and scams so they have the confidence to speak up and report things to us and Action Fraud.

“Almost all frauds now use computers and technology in some way, with criminals taking advantage of the anonymity of the online world to steal from their victims.”

Council tax scams damage people’s lives and anyone can be fooled. Simon Blackburbn, chair of LGA’s safer and stronger communities board.