Residents warned over refund scam (Status: Ringmaster message)
THIS is a Ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police. Residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus officials offering to give council refunds, relating to council tax, business rates or benefits.
People are being called and told they qualify for a refund and then asked for their bank account details so the payment can be made. They are also informed an “admin” fee will be charged.
Similar types of attempted fraud have been reported across the country. These can range from phone calls to emails.
South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils are both warning residents to be on their guard against these scams. Neither Council would phone or email to request details of bank accounts to refund overpayments. Neither would it charge for such a service. Anyone due a refund would receive a bill detailing exactly how much they are owed.
South Oxfordshire District Councillor Jane Murphy, Cabinet Member for community safety said, “We advise people to be on their guard against these fraudsters. The key message is keep your bank and credit card details safe and never give out your PIN number. If you are entitled to a refund, the council will send you a letter showing how much you are owed and arrange a method of refunding you.”
Cllr Tony de Vere, Leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council and Executive Member for Community Safety, said: “We urge anyone who is unsure that a caller is genuine to ask them for their name and job title and then phone them back via the respective council switchboards – 01491 823000 for South residents and 01235 520202 for Vale residents. If the situation is suspicious, please report it to the police on 0845 8 505 505.”
20/11/09
