Fraudsters are taking advantage of those waiting for payments
Scammers are exploiting Brits being offered a £150 tax rebate this month, MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis has warned.
Around 80% of UK households are eligible for the council tax refund due to land in bank accounts on April 30. However, non-direct debit payees could receive their payments slightly later.
The £150 refund on yearly property tax is being given to homeowners and the vast majority of tenants living in band A to D properties. It is an attempt to help Brits cope amid the cost of living crisis.
But fraudsters are already taking advantage of those awaiting their payments.
We are aware of scam calls being made to residents asking for bank details in relation to the Council Tax Energy Rebate scheme. Please DO NOT give out your bank details over the telephone.
For more information, go to our website at https://t.co/YkWwwf7gP7.
— Wakefield Council (@MyWakefield) April 12, 2022
Durham, Southwark and Wakefield are amongst the councils that have told residents to be wary of scam phone calls, The Mirror reports.
In a statement earlier this month, Durham County Council said: “Please don’t give your bank details to anyone who calls you about the national council tax rebate scheme. We’re aware of a scam but we will not ask for your details as part of this process.”
Please don’t give your bank details to anyone who calls you about the national council tax rebate scheme.
We’re aware of a scam but we will not ask for your details as part of this process: https://t.co/4hpb0rCICv pic.twitter.com/R4SlmcxpD2
— Durham County Council (@DurhamCouncil) April 2, 2022
An article on the MoneySavingExpert website said: “Households should beware cold callers asking for their bank account details in order to seemingly pay them the Government’s £150 council tax rebate, as it’s likely to be a scam.
“MoneySavingExpert.com has seen a number of reports from councils urging residents to beware fraudsters, while officials have also cautioned households to watch out.”
If you think you’ve been scammed, you should end all communication immediately, call your bank directly and cancel recurring payments, the website said. Reporting the scam to the police is also advised.
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