Council tax scammers targeting Northumberland residents in bid to get back details

Northumberland County Council is warning residents to be aware of several council tax scams offering a promise of a reduction or refund.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A number of scams have been reported around the country targeting residents via phone, letter and email and appear to be from genuine sources.

The email scam claims to be from GOV.UK, Government Digital Services Team advising the residents of their eligibility to a council tax reduction. They are asked to follow a link to claim their reduction, and at this point are asked for their bank details.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a second scam fraudsters use doctored letter-head paper purporting to be from the local authority. The letter informs the resident that they are eligible for a council tax support scheme. It provides a link to a fake website with a unique access code, and again asks the resident to input their bank details. The website is fake.

Northumberland County Council has warned residents about council tax scams.Northumberland County Council has warned residents about council tax scams.
Northumberland County Council has warned residents about council tax scams.

A further case has been reported of letters being sent to residents claiming to be from a local authority offering a reduction in council tax as part of the Government’s response to Covid-19.

Residents are also being warned of a telephone scam from a company named Greyston, which has been making cold calls claiming to be able to secure a valuation reduction and a reduced payment. The company asks for a fee and once again asks for bank account details.

Cllr John Riddle, the council’s cabinet member with responsibility for community services, said: “Unfortunately scammers can be very convincing and persuasive and can con people into believing that they are legitimate. We are urging residents to be extra vigilant when passing on their details to a third party.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is very concerning to see that fraudsters are using the current situation, which has been so difficult for so many people financially, to scam people out of their money.”

Cllr John Riddle.Cllr John Riddle.
Cllr John Riddle.

To reduce the risks of falling for cold call scams the council’s Public Protection Service has the following tips: Be wary of unsolicited callers suggesting or implying that you are due a refund or other money; Never provide your personal details or bank or credit card details; Don’t take unsolicited calls when you are busy and can’t give the salesman your full attention; Don’t agree to something on the phone just to get rid of a persistent caller.

Read More
Council tax rise, cuts and spending plans approved for Northumberland

The dramatic events of the pandemic are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on your support through buying our newspaper. If you can, please pick up a copy of the Northumberland Gazette when you are at the shops. Thank you.