Residents warned of Council Tax scams

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has issued a fraud warning after receiving reports from residents getting cold calls or texts about a Council Tax rebate from individuals who appear to work for the District Council. 

The text often contains phishing links, which direct the recipient to a website where they will be asked to provide personal data.

Cold callers claim to be from the District Council and try to gain bank details by saying residents are due a Council Tax refund as their account is showing a credit.

The District Council will never telephone, email or message to ask for a payment to release a Council Tax overpayment.

If you do receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from the District Council, do not divulge bank or credit card details - first obtain the caller's name, then ring the District Council back on its main switchboard number 01789 267575 and ask to be put through to the caller to confirm it is a genuine request.

Please remember, never:

• Give your bank details to anyone.
• Let anyone into your home without seeing appropriate identification.
• Feel under pressure from a cold-caller to pay an immediate up-front fee. Take the time you need to think about it.
• Accept cold callers' claims about your Council Tax without seeing evidence or proof of what they are claiming.
• Deal with anyone that is reluctant to give you their company address or contact detail.

Cllr Maurice Howse, Business, Tourism and ICT Portfolio, says: "Fraudsters are relentless and will work tirelessly to find new ways to convince people to part with their money. They will be particularly convincing and provide good reason for why the person should make an immediate payment. The District Council would never request money from customers to help process any Council Tax refund.

"I would encourage people to be vigilant and never respond to these callers, who are simply trying to scam you.  Never take up offers of a tax rebate on the spot from cold calls or give out bank details."

If you have been the victim of a scam, please contact the police straight away or report it to Action Fraud by visiting https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or calling 0300 123 2040.

If you think your Council Tax account is in credit and/or that you are due a refund please call our Council Tax Team on 01789 260990