Warning over council tax scam

By nhorner

A WARNING has been issued to householders in Perry Barr and Kingstanding after bogus officials duped people into handing out personal information.

Fraudsters have been claiming to be from Birmingham City Council's council tax department and gaining access to private bank details, the city's trading standards service and revenue and benefits division have said.

One elderly couple were told that their council tax band had been reduced and they were entitled to a £3,000 council tax rebate.

They were told that in order to benefit, they needed to provide bank and credit card details for the refund to be paid into their account.

Jay Patel, the council's head of revenues, confirmed that the call was a hoax.

"No-one from the city council would request bank details in this manner," he said. "Any council tax refund would be made via a cheque sent directly to the householder's home."

Councillor Neil Eustace, chairman of the city council's public protection committee, added that it was essential for residents to remain on their guard against such scams.

"Consumers should never disclose personal bank details to anyone telephoning or emailing them, or calling at their home," he said.

"The council and reputable traders do not request this information and anyone who receives such a request should report it to trading standards immediately and put the phone down on them, or call the police if they are at your home."