Council tax scam warning (From Yeovil Express)

Council tax scam warning

10:00am Friday 8th March 2013 in News

PEOPLE across South Som-erset are being warned to be on their guard against conmen who claim they can obtain a discount on council tax bills.

The annual bills will soon be landing on doormats and South Somerset District Council has this week warned about tricksters who claim they can save people money for the cost of a fee.

A council statement said it had been made aware of conmen calling homeowners and saying they are from a company which, for a fee, can arrange to have their council tax reduced. The caller then says the district council employs their firm to carry out the work.

But the council says the supposed company is NOT working for it and that it does not have anyone working for it in this way.

Other local authorities have reported a caller who claims to be from a Government department and offers a year’s council tax refund as a reward for prompt payment. But a spokesman for South Somerset District Council said these calls were scams. “The nature of these calls are to deceive the recipient into revealing personal bank details by promising a refund of council tax,” they said.

“If you get a call from someone saying they are working on behalf of South Somerset District Council to reduce your council tax bill – we’d advise you to end the call straight away.”

Deputy council leader Cllr Tim Carroll said: “Telephone scams are prevalent at the moment and, in this case, they are charging a fee and saying they can get council tax reduced.

“It is important people do not make payments or give them any personal details.”

People who would like advice about their council tax from the council by phoning 01935-462462.