Council warns of bogus Council Tax refund scam

Pendle Council is warning local residents of a Council Tax refund scam currently operating in other parts of Lancashire.

In Hyndburn and Wyre, bogus officials have been visiting homes and claiming to represent the local council.

They have told the householders that they are entitled to Council Tax refunds following overpayments, and asked for their bank details to be able to make a refund by BACS transfer.

In both cases, the bogus officials have used a Council letterhead as identification.

There have been no reports of such a scam operating in Pendle, but the Council is keen for residents to be on their guard when answering the door to unknown callers.

Councillor Mike Blomeley, Leader of Pendle Council, said:

"We don't want Pendle residents to fall foul of such a disgraceful scheme.

"It's thoroughly sickening the way some individuals dream up ways of cheating people out of money.

"I would urge residents to take care when answering the door to strangers and not to give out bank details on the doorstep."

If someone calls at your door claiming to be from Pendle Council, you can ask to see their identification card, which they should have displayed around their neck.

You can also call the Council on (01282) 661661 to check that they do indeed work for us.

If you have a visit from a suspicious caller who offers a Council Tax refund and asks for your bank details, please report them to Pendle Council on (01282) 661661.