Warning: council tax scams in operation

Councillor Allen Brett

Residents are being warned to be on their guard after reports of fraudulent council tax and business rates agents operating.

Scams include doorstep sellers or cold callers telephoning people to claim they can reduce council tax bills or that residents’ tax bands are incorrect.

Fraudsters often say they are calling from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and ask you to pay for an inspection (the VOA does not charge for any council tax or business rates services). In some cases, scammers have claimed a refund is due, got their victims’ bank details and then stolen money from their accounts.

Anyone can challenge their council tax band for free, by contacting the VOA themselves, which is the advice of Councillor Allen Brett, cabinet member for corporate and resources at Rochdale Borough Council, he said: “If you think you are paying too much you can challenge your council tax band by contacting the Valuation Office Agency. Its services are free. Y

"ou should never give your bank details to anyone you do not know, and if you think someone is impersonating the council or the Valuation Office Agency please contact the police on 101.

"The Valuation Office will not call you about rebates or discounts so if you do get a call it is very likely to be a scam. Scams such as these often prey on vulnerable people so make sure your loved ones are fully informed.”