Residents warned over scam council tax refund e-mails
Teddington residents are being warned to be on their guard against a new email scam that promises people a refund on their Council Tax bills.
The phishing e-mails are being sent out from a HM Revenue and Customs address telling people that they are due a council tax refund.
These e-mails are a security risk and are targeting sensitive information from victims – the e-mail takes recievers to a fake website and downloads malicious software which fraudsters can use to track and trace people’s internet usage.
This can allow fraudsters to access people’s bank accounts so receivers are urged not to open the e-mail and to delete the e-mail straight away.
Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cllr Stephen Speak, said:
“We are concerned that these scammers are targeting residents and we, together with the police, try to keep people aware of the wide range of scams. The details of scams often change and so we cannot cover every eventuality but these emails are a con.
“Council Tax issues are dealt with by the Council – not HMRC. So, if you are contacted by anyone purporting to be from HMRC about your Council Tax, you should smell a rat.”
Anyone affected by this, or any other scam, should report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
