SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Beware of wicked Council Tax email scam

SOUTH Somerset District Council is repeating its warning for people to be aware that bogus e-mails are being received by some residents which allegedly are from an HMRC Team.

The e-mail claims that there is a refund of Council Tax due and asks the recipient to click on a link and enter their bank details. Only South Somerset District Council can issue refunds of Council Tax.

In South Somerset, if you pay your Council Tax by direct debit we already have your bank details. If you pay another way we will send you a refund cheque. This is also true for Business Rate payers.

If you get an e-mail about a Council Tax refund from someone saying they are from an HMRC team asking you to click on a link to get your refund, stop and think. Do not click on the link and do not give out your bank details.

The council’s finance spokesman, Cllr Peter Seib, said: “This is a particularly wicked scam. We are passing on this warning but if anyone comes across something similar please do let SSDC and the police know about it.

“Many scams are highlighted to the Council and we try to inform residents when they are brought to our attention because ultimately it's you, the resident, who may lose out.”

If you have given over personal details, we would advise you to call the police straight away on 101 and report the matter as an identity theft scam. The Police will also direct you to the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040.

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