WIREDGOV

A telephone scam that targets council tax payers, falsely claiming they have won a council tax rebate, is today exposed by the Valuation Office Agency.

Many households across the country have received calls from crooks claiming to be VOA or council officials who tell their victims that they are eligible for thousands of pounds in council tax rebate.

The ‘lucky’ people are asked to send the caller their credit card or bank account details so the money can be refunded. Other scams ask for a one-off administration fee to process the refund.

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. The VOA does not ask people for financial details.

“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.”

1. Information about Council Tax appeals is available on the VOA website at www.voa.gov.uk.
2. For more information, please contact Kathryn Montague, VOA Press Office, on 03000 500 270.