Newham Council is warning residents to beware of scammers who are cold calling potential victims, claiming that they are owed a Council Tax refund as long as they provide their personal details.
The Council has been made aware of the scam targeting its residents by offering them a rebate.
The scam, which has targeted people nationwide, has seen people claiming they are from the Council and offering a Council Tax rebate due the victim being put in the wrong Council Tax band. They have asked for an upfront payment or personal details before the rebate is transferred.
Councillor Terence Paul, Cabinet member for finance, said: “Please beware and do not fall for this hoax. Newham Council will never call residents about a possible rebate on their Council Tax.
“These are simple con artists posing as employees of Newham Council in a bid to steal our residents money.
“Anyone that is concerned should get in touch with the Council.”
If you receive any calls, emails, text or social media messages claiming to be from the Council, check they are genuine before following any of the instructions.
The London Borough of Newham will never contact you by phone if you are owed a refund, although it may call those people who have Council Tax payments outstanding.
Anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from Newham Council and is concerned should contact the Council on 020 8430 2000 and speak to a member of the team.