“I can lower your Council Tax banding if you pay me £65” may sound like a great offer, but there are no guarantees that your Council Tax band will be lowered. You can find out if your band can be lowered for free.
South Somerset District Council is warning residents to be aware of Council Tax scammers who may offer you deals to reduce monthly payments or reduce your banding. Council Tax scammers are very prevalent at the moment due to bills recently being delivered to residents across the district.
One current scam that has been bought to the district council’s attention is from a company claiming to be called ‘claimers’ who call on behalf of South Somerset District Council and ask for £65 to lower your Council Tax banding. Please note this is not a phone call from South Somerset District Council. Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency and can only be changed under certain conditions. Details can be found at www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals. You will not be charged for the service.
Ian Potter, Revenues Manager at South Somerset District Council said, “Many scams are highlighted to the Council and we try to inform residents when they are brought to our attention because ultimately it’s you, the resident, who may lose out.
“If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax bill and need help, speak with a member of the Council Tax Team on 01935 462462 who will be able to offer help and advice”.
If you are unsure of who you are talking to and instinct tells you something is not quite right, hang up, call 01935 462462 and check with a customer advisor whether the name of the person who called you really does exist.
If you have given over personal details, we would advise you to call the Police straight away on 101 and report the matter as an identity theft scam. The Police will also direct you to the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040.