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Don't give out your council tax details!
Ref : 09/057 : Date : 22-06-2009
Warning to residents….
The Council is aware of some scams across the South East where residents receive a telephone call from a person pretending to work for the local borough council. They are told they have either paid too much council tax and they are entitled to a rebate or that they have not paid enough and need to pay more or they will be fined. The caller then asks for bank details.
Anyone who receives these calls is being advised to not give out any personal information and report it to Consumer Direct who works alongside Kent County Council's Trading Standards officers, where this scam was first picked up. Kent Trading Standards has received six calls in the past two weeks alone and some reports in the Hampshire area have been reported as well about this type of scam and many others are likely to have also been targeted but have not reported it.
Information from the public is vital to help warn others and crack down on scams.
Kevin Masters, Executive Head of Customer Services, says: "To our knowledge Adur and Worthing residents haven't actually received any of these types of calls. But we believe it is right to warn the public just in case. If you do receive a call do not give out any personal information and either contact us on 01903 221061 or Consumer Direct on the number below."
KCC Assistant Head of Kent Trading Standards, Ian Treacher, adds: "We are pleased that those who contacted us did not give away any personal details but we know there may be those who will and then realise too late that it is a scam. It is important that people know Kent County Council would not contact people about council tax payments and to report any suspicious calls."
To report a suspected scam, people are being urged to call Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506 and to use the Consumer Direct website (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk) for practical advice and support
Ends
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