TRADING Standards chiefs at Warrington have issued a warning to residents following reports of a council tax scam in the area.
A Warrington resident received a telephone call allegedly from the borough council advising her that she had been wrongly banded for council tax and was due a substantial rebate.
The caller confirmed the resident’s correct personal details and then requested her bank details in order for the payment to be made.
Fortunately the resident felt uncomfortable with the request and the call was terminated.
Coun Mike Biggin, (pictured) the council’s executive member for public protection said: “Neither this council nor any other to my knowledge would ever contact a resident in this manner on this issue. Generally when refunding an overpaid amount, payments are made automatically into the bank or a cheque will be issued in the post.”
Further investigations by team have uncovered a number of variations on the scam in operation across the country.
For general consumer information contact Trading Standards on 0845 404 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Anyone falling victim to this sort of crime is asked to report the incident to Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000
Warning over council tax scam
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
