Trading Standards Issue Warning about Council Tax Rebate scam
Published Wednesday 16th December 09
Lancashire residents are warned that they may receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) or The Local Council.
Consumers are informed that they have been identified as being eligible for a rebate on their council tax and are asked for credit card or bank details so that an "admin fee" can be taken to process the refund or so the refund can be put into their account. These calls are bogus and residents should not provide any details to the caller.
Trading Standards have had reports of these calls being received in West Lancashire but believe residents throughout the county may be at risk. A spokesmen for VOA has confirmed that they would never ask for financial details.
If people have any questions about their council tax band they can go to the VOA website at www.voa.gov.uk for further details.
Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any threat or fear of burglary contact the police at once.
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