A WARNING has been issued after a number of residents were targeted with attempted council tax scams in Hampshire.
Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) says it has been made aware that some residents have received calls, texts or emails claiming their property is in the wrong council tax valuation-band.
The authority is warning residents not to give out their bank details over the phone.
A spokesperson said: “Residents have been told they are entitled to a refund and then asked for their bank details.
“The council would never contact residents or ask for bank details in this way. Our advice is to hang up and ring Action Fraud on 03001232040.”
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime where people should report fraud if they have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.
According to the centre, residents should protect themselves from council tax refund fraud by making vigorous checks if they ever get a cold call associated with a tax rebate.
It urges people never take up offers of tax rebates on the spot from cold callers and texts messages and to take a look at the recent tax rebate scams by HMRC.
This is because the same technique of offering an enticing-looking refund can be applied to private companies and public organisations.
A spokesman from Action Fraud said: “Don’t give your bank account details or sensitive information to anyone without carrying out your own research.
“It is advisable to see if they have a permanent business address and landline telephone number.
“Mobile numbers given by fraudsters are often pay-as-you-go numbers which are virtually impossible to trace.”
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