New council tax scam warning issued to Ribble Valley residents
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Ribble Valley Borough Council is due to issue council tax bills and has been contacted by residents concerned about e-mails or texts claiming to be from the Government informing them that they are due a council tax refund.
The scam promises refunds of hundreds of pounds in exchange for credit or debit card details.
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Hide AdMark Edmondson, the borough council's head of revenues and benefits, said: “At first glance the e-mails or texts appear genuine, but they are far from it and by clicking on the words, Refund Form, you will be forwarded to a bogus web page requesting personal details. The scammers obviously know that local authorities across the UK are about to issue council tax bills and we are warning residents to be on their guard.
“Never give your personal details to anyone you are not sure of and if you receive the scam email delete it immediately.”
The council has issued advice asking people to stay a step head of the scammers by:
Don't give your bank details to anyone contacting you by e-mail or text
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Hide AdDon't let anyone into your home without checking their identification
Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from Ribble Valley Borough Council by phoning 01200 425111
Inform the police immediately if you believe anyone is impersonating council staff