Beware of fake Council Tax refund calls

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is warning residents to be on their guard for phone calls claiming they are entitled to a refund on their Council Tax.

The District Council has issued an immediate alert after a resident in the District got in touch to say they had received a call saying that they were entitled to a Council Tax refund

The caller claims to be from the District Council and will be making a personal call to your property to refund an overpayment of Council Tax.

This is not genuine and they are not from the District Council.

If a council tax payer does overpay, the District Council will arrange a refund direct to the paying bank account or will send a cheque to the account payer.  These refunds are not hand delivered.

Dave Webb, Head of Enterprise, Housing and Revenues says: “If any callers come to your house claiming they are from the District Council and that you are owed a refund for Council Tax and you cannot establish their identity by calling the District Council, or if you have any doubt regarding their identity we advise you call the Police on 101.  All District Council employees carry staff identity cards and will be happy for you to call the District Council on 01789 267575 to check their authenticity."

The District Council has informed Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards and anyone concerned should phone the District Council on 01789 267575.

Nevertheless there are companies who do offer to try and get a council tax band reduced on behalf of a council tax payer; these companies will charge a fee. Appeals against bands can be made free of charge and the District Council advice is to contact the Valuation Office Agency on 03000 501501, to discuss the band.

Ratepayers who do wish to be represented should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors  and the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation  are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct. Before you employ a council tax adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.