This text was sent by Bradford Council about a Council Tax scam. Please be vigilant.
Residents in the Bradford district are being warned about a Council Tax scam that is sweeping the country.
Bradford Council has received a number of calls from residents concerned that they have been the target of the scam.
People have been phoned or visited at home by people pretending to be from the local council or Valuation Office Agency.
The bogus officials tell them that their property has been re-banded and they are due a refund of thousands of pounds or they have not paid enough Council Tax and unless they make a payment they will be taken to court. Other scams ask for a one-off administration fee to process the refund.
In all the cases residents have been asked for their credit card or bank account details.
Martin Stubbs, Assistant Director of Revenues and Benefits, said: "We as a Council are very concerned that residents across Bradford are being targeted in this way. The Council is taking this very seriously and will be passing the details on to the relevant authorities.
"We would urge anyone who is concerned about the identity of anyone claiming to be from the Council to check very carefully as all Council officers carry identification and if they are in any doubt to contact the Council directly to check."
VOA Director of Council Tax, Tim Eden, said: "This is outrageous and targets vulnerable people with false promises. People must not pay any attention to these crooks and should report such calls to the police. Some of the callers are very aggressive and intimidating to make people pay up, but people should not be fooled into thinking these calls are legitimate.
"If people have questions about their council tax band, they should go to our website, www.voa.gov.uk, where they can get information on how bands are determined and what to do if they disagree with their banding."
Andrew Bibby Principal Trading Standards Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Office said: "Trading Standards can and will take action against doorstep callers who make false or misleading claims about their services offer or the organisations they represent. We advise consumers to think very carefully before entering into any contract on the doorstep.
"Anyone who has any concerns about this or any other consumer issue should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06".
To contact the Council call 01274 431000.
Residents in the Bradford district are being warned about a Council Tax scam that is sweeping the country.
Bradford Council has received a number of calls from residents concerned that they have been the target of the scam.
People have been phoned or visited at home by people pretending to be from the local council or Valuation Office Agency.
The bogus officials tell them that their property has been re-banded and they are due a refund of thousands of pounds or they have not paid enough Council Tax and unless they make a payment they will be taken to court. Other scams ask for a one-off administration fee to process the refund.
In all the cases residents have been asked for their credit card or bank account details.
Martin Stubbs, Assistant Director of Revenues and Benefits, said: "We as a Council are very concerned that residents across Bradford are being targeted in this way. The Council is taking this very seriously and will be passing the details on to the relevant authorities.
"We would urge anyone who is concerned about the identity of anyone claiming to be from the Council to check very carefully as all Council officers carry identification and if they are in any doubt to contact the Council directly to check."
VOA Director of Council Tax, Tim Eden, said: "This is outrageous and targets vulnerable people with false promises. People must not pay any attention to these crooks and should report such calls to the police. Some of the callers are very aggressive and intimidating to make people pay up, but people should not be fooled into thinking these calls are legitimate.
"If people have questions about their council tax band, they should go to our website, www.voa.gov.uk, where they can get information on how bands are determined and what to do if they disagree with their banding."
Andrew Bibby Principal Trading Standards Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Office said: "Trading Standards can and will take action against doorstep callers who make false or misleading claims about their services offer or the organisations they represent. We advise consumers to think very carefully before entering into any contract on the doorstep.
"Anyone who has any concerns about this or any other consumer issue should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06".
To contact the Council call 01274 431000.
