Bogus callers asking for assessment money in return for 'refund'
Residents in Wimbledon are being warned to be wary of a council tax scam now operating in the Merton borough area.
Merton council says the bogus callers are asking people for money to assess their council tax band in return for the false promise of a refund.
The caller may claim to be from a group called the Consumers Advice Bureau and it’s likely they will advise residents they are on a list of incorrectly-banded properties and can claim back any excess money paid.
The illegitimate caller's main aim is actually to extract personal information from the unsuspecting resident.
Merton Council has advised residents not give out personal information over the phone and has reminded people there is no need to spend money to query any aspect of the council tax. Instead, contact the local valuation office in Francis Grove, Wimbledon, or visit www.voa.gov.uk/council_tax/index.htm
Councillor Samantha George, Council deputy leader, said: "We always work to put the needs of our residents first so we want to make sure that they are not tricked into giving out their personal information. Council officers are on hand to discuss individual council tax queries as part of a free service. If anyone receives one of these calls or a call of a similar nature, we ask them to report this to the police on the non-emergency number of 0300 123 1212.
March 25, 2010
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