Residents warned about council tax refund scams

OLDHAM COUNCIL is warning residents to be on their guard after reports emerged of a series of new council tax scams.

Residents have reported receiving calls and emails from companies who claimed they had been incorrectly overcharged for council tax and were entitled to a refund.

The companies are pretending to be Oldham Council and Unity Partnership and often asking residents to give them their bank account details.

However, Oldham Council or Unity Partnership would never call or email residents to offer refunds, with alternative arrangements in place.

Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, said: “It’s very concerning that cold calling criminals are targeting residents.

“We’ve even had reports of them targeting people who don’t actually live in Oldham.

“We would urge people to be on their guard.

“We never call or email anyone to offer them a refund and have safe and secure arrangements in place should the need to do so occur.

“My advice to everyone would be to be absolutely sure they know who they are dealing with.

“A number of Council Tax transactions are available for residents to use online including signing up to direct debit and to make any payments online via our MyAccount service which guarantees the security and peace of mind you need.”

If you do receive an email offering a council tax refund and asking you to provide you bank account details by clicking on a link, ignore it and delete the email.

If you are cold called and asked to provide your bank details to receive a council tax refund hang up and ignore the request.

Anyone concerned about a potential scam can call Trading Standards on 03454 040506 or email tradingstandards@oldham.gov.uk

If you have a query about Council Tax or wish to sign up for an account, simply log in to your MyAccount now at www.oldham.gov.uk/myaccount or call us on 0161 770 8910.