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Tax scam warning after rebate claims
People living in the Scarborough area are being warned to be on their guard following increased reports that suspected fraudsters are contacting people and telling them they may qualify for a council tax refund.
The alleged con-artists are telling householders the valuation band for their property is incorrect and are saying they will be able to secure refunds.
They are then asking for customers' bank details in order to "repay the overpayment directly into their bank account" and in some cases have asked for an administration fee too.
A number of people in the area have already been targeted by the cold-callers, prompting Scarborough Council to issue advice to residents.
A spokesman for the authority said: "Anyone contacting residents asking for personal details in order to obtain a banding reduction is probably doing so with fraudulent intentions and they should not divulge their personal details.
"There are legitimate companies which offer to assist householders appeal against their council tax banding, but companies offering this service are not acting on behalf of Scarborough Borough Council and should not be claiming they do so.
"There is a formal appeal procedure for challenging the council tax banding of a house but there are only limited circumstances in which an appeal would be legally valid.
"There is no automatic or guaranteed reduction as a result of such an appeal and no company or individual can therefore give a guarantee that they will get the band of your house reduced."
Residents are reminded to be vigilant about who they disclose personal information to and are reminded that any Scarborough Borough Council official will have identification with them which they will be happy to produce.
Any questions relating to the banding of council tax should be put directly to the Valuation Office Agency on 01904 528000.
Information is also available on the Valuation Office website www.voa.gov.uk and advice is also available from the Scarborough Borough Council Local Taxation service on (01723) 232378.
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Weather for Scarborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
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