Have you been caught out by this council tax scam?
Residents are being warned to be on their guard against a new scam that promises people a refund on their council tax bills.
Richmond Council has had reports that representatives from a company called ‘Unity’ are calling residents claiming that they are working with the Council to help residents claim a Council Tax refund.
The con is designed to capture sensitive financial information from victims. Armed with personal and banking details the fraudsters can harvest people’s bank accounts. People who are approached by this company should not provide any information because the Council handles refunds of council tax itself.
Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cllr Stephen Speak, said:
“Richmond residents are often targeted by scammers and we, together with the police, try to keep people aware of the wide range of scams. However, the details of scams often change and we cannot cover every eventuality but these types of phone calls or emails are a con. So, if you are contacted by anyone purporting to be from Unity on behalf of the Council, about your Council Tax, you should smell a rat.
“Indeed, any email or phone call making any unsolicited offer of money or help should be treated with skepticism.
“If you are on the receiving end of any scam, please report it.”
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.
They can also report it to the Met Police’s ‘Fraud Alert’ website. This is designed to equip the public with the tools they need to protect themselves against fraud.
