Warning over council tax refund e-mail scam

Residents are warned to be on their guard against an e-mail scam promising council tax refunds in exchange for personal details.
Residents warned against refund scamResidents warned against refund scam
Residents warned against refund scam

Ribble Valley Borough Council has received concerns from residents who have been e-mailed by “Online Council Tax UK” and a “Miss Rourke” of “Unity Partnership” informing them that they are due a council tax refund, but need to complete an online form so the money can be credited to their bank account.

The e-mails also include an advertising banner from a Government agency to make them look credible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mark Edmondson, the borough council’s head of revenues and benefits, said: “At first glance the scam e-mails appear genuine, but they are not genuine and by clicking on the word, FORM, at the bottom of the e-mail residents will be forwarded to a web page that will put them at risk. Residents should never give their personal details to anyone they are not sure of and are advised to delete the e-mail immediately, if they receive it.

“We would like to remind residents that the council would never ask for bank details by e-mail.”

Residents are being urged to stay a step ahead of the scammers by following these simple steps: Don’t give your bank details to anyone contacting you by e-mail claiming to be from the council; Don’t let anyone into your home without checking their identification; Do verify the authenticity of Ribble Valley Borough Council staff by calling 01200 425111; Do inform the police if you believe anyone is impersonating council staff.

Related topics: