Ribble Valley Residents warned about Council Tax Scam
Scammers are targeting Ribble Valley residents with e-mails promising council tax refunds in exchange for personal details.
Ribble Valley Borough Council is due to issue council tax bills and has been contacted by residents concerned about e-mails or texts claiming to be from the Government informing them that they are due a council tax refund.
The scam promises refunds of hundreds of pounds in exchange for credit or debit card details.
Mark Edmondson, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s head of revenues and benefits, said: “At first glance the emails or texts appear genuine, but they are far from it and by clicking on the words, Refund Form, you will be forwarded to a bogus web page requesting personal details.
“The scammers obviously know that local authorities across the UK are about to issue council tax bills and we are warning residents to be on their guard.
“Never give your personal details to anyone you are not sure of and if you receive the scam email delete it immediately.”
Stay a step ahead of the scammers
- Don't give your bank details to anyone contacting you by e-mail or text
- Don't let anyone into your home without checking their identification
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from Ribble Valley Borough Council by phoning 01200 425111
- Inform the police immediately if you believe anyone is impersonating council staff