New alert over council tax scam
08-FEB-10
Issued by: Duncan Bennett
North Tyneside Council has issued a fresh warning about a council tax phone scam following further complaints from residents.
Last November, the local authority advised people to be on their guard after an alleged bogus company called members on the public, seeking bank details on the pretence that council tax overpayments would be repaid.
This month two residents have been called by someone giving the impression they work for or on behalf of North Tyneside Council.
They were told they have either paid too much council tax or not enough and must pay more, or are due a refund. The caller then asks for bank details.
North Tyneside Council's Revenues and Benefits Service handle the accounts for the borough's 93,000 council taxpayers.
However, it would not contact residents in this manner about council tax payments and is urging people not give out any personal information and to report any suspicious calls.
Principal Trading Standards Officer Alan Burnett said: "People should always be suspicious if they receive any unsolicited phone calls or mailings stating that they are entitled to money.
"If they do respond they could be asked, like in these incidents, for their personal bank details. Anyone who gives their details should contact their bank immediately."
Scamnesty month takes place between Monday 1 and Friday 26 February, and is supported by North Tyneside Council.
The campaign, which is being promoted by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), is aimed at preventing fraudsters tricking residents, including the elderly and people with disabilities.
During Scamnesty month, as well as a new website, special boxes have been placed around the borough, at most libraries, customer service centres and the book bus, so people can bin scam letters they have received in the post.
Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse against vulnerable adults and occurs when they are exploited for financial gain. North Tyneside's Safeguarding Adults Board oversees safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all vulnerable adults within the borough.
If North Tyneside residents receive any unsolicited phone calls or mailings they are not sure about, they can contact Consumer Direct, on 08454 040506 or via www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
If you believe you know someone who is a victim of abuse, please contact TEL: (0191) 200 6050
ENDS