Wirral residents are urged to ignore scam callers claiming to offer council tax rebate

Jul 27 2011 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

RESIDENTS are being urged to ignore scammers claiming they are due a council tax rebate for paying on time.

A spate of phone calls targeting householders across the peninsula have been made, with the caller claiming to be working in conjunction with Wirral Council.

The caller claims to be rewarding those who have met their council tax demands, but then asks for bank details to make a refund.

Monica Burton, who lives in Upton, received a call on Friday.

She told the News: “They said, am I speaking to Monica Burton?

“Then just went on to say that because I’ve been paying my council tax on time, and because I’ve been a good payer, I’ve been chosen along with 3,000 other people, as a gesture of goodwill, to be reimbursed for my council tax.

“She repeated it again so I just let her go on, and then she said, so I’d just like to check your bank details.

“I said, let me check that with the council, and she put the phone down.”

Wirral Council has now issued a warning to residents, making it clear that those making the calls have absolutely no connection to the authority, and urging recipients of calls to guard their personal details.

Wirral Council leader Councillor Steve Foulkes said: “The council would never cold call or request bank details over the phone.

“I urge residents not to give out any personal information, pay any money upfront or give their bank details if they receive these calls.”

And although Monica didn’t fall victim to the scam, she’s keen to ensure no-one else is ripped off.

Monica added: “I think it was fairly obvious.

“I’m always dubious when I hear a voice at the end of the phone offering money.

“They’re not going to give council tax back, so I thought it was obvious, but somebody else might be more gullible.

“I’m not very trusting and was suspicious as soon as they said I would get a refund.”

IF anybody needs to report an incident, or has queries regarding council tax, please call Wirral Council on 0151 606 2002.