Posted by Admin on 26 November 2009, 12:00 am
Isle of Wight Council is warning local residents of suspicious phone calls that some households have received relating to council tax, with the caller claiming to be acting on behalf of Isle of Wight Council.
Some homeowners have received phone calls stating that they are entitled to a refund on their council tax. The caller tells the homeowner that they are calling from 'The Council Tax Claims Department' and that the property they own has been placed in the incorrect council tax band.
The homeowner is then told they are entitled to a refund of anything up to several thousand pounds. To get this money, the resident is then asked for their bank card details so they can pay a fee of £99.99 to process the claim.
They are then told that once the claim has been successful, the £99.99 will be refunded.
Isle of Wight Council wishes to stress that this is a scam and it has not employed any firm or individuals in relation to council tax payments or refunds. The council does not operate a 'Council Tax Claims Department' and residents should never give out personal bank details over the phone.
Anyone who receives these types of phone calls should not give out personal details and should end the call and contact either Hampshire Constabulary or IW Council Trading Standards.
The Trading Standards Department can be contacted on (01983) 821000.
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