Two council tax payers from Lichfield District have been reportedly targeted by a bogus caller, who is falsely claiming to work for the local authority’s council tax department.
The caller informed these residents that they had overpaid their council tax, offered them an over-the-phone refund, and then asked for their personal financial details, so as to pay the supposed refund.
Cllr Michael Wilcox, Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, commented: "We’re really concerned to hear that an illegal scam is taking place locally, and would urge our residents to be on the alert.
“I would also like to stress that we never contact our residents to offer council tax refunds over the phone. So, if you receive this type of call, please do not provide any personal financial details, and report the incident to the police.
"Remember, any valid caller will be happy for you to return their call through a switchboard number.
"Or, if you are worried that you may have provided your details to a false caller, our advice is to contact the police and your bank or credit card company straightaway."
For any local council tax enquires, please call Lichfield District Council on 01543 308000.
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