Beware Council Tax scam

The advice comes after Coventry City Council's Trading Standards team have been contacted about a scam that has also been reported across the country.

The fraudsters operate by ringing or texting residents claiming to be from the local council, valuation office or some other company which deals with changes to Council Tax banding.

They suggest that the resident is due a council tax refund. They will then ask for personal and bank details to allow them to process the refund or provide a telephone number for residents to ring to provide this information.

Any Coventry residents receiving such contact are advised not to give out any personal information and end the call as quickly as possible. It has been reported that some callers can get aggressive and ring back if you put the phone down but this is all part of the scam to make you act as they want.

Councillor Phil Townshend, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equality, said Coventry City Council would never contact residents in this way.

"The Council does not cold call residents to offer a refund," he said.

"If there is any change to the amount you have to pay you will receive official notification through the post explaining the situation.

"There are occasions when the council will contact residents who are in arrears. Residents will be able to verify the authenticity of these calls as the council officers will provide specific information about the resident's account."

Anyone wanting to check the authenticity of a call concerning your Council Tax account should call 024 7683 1111 or e-mail counciltax@coventry.gov.uk.

To report a suspected incident of the scam, people should contact Coventry Trading Standards on 0845 404 0506 or use an online reporting form at www.coventry.gov.uk/tradingstandards.