Every year in Britain, people are becoming victims of scams related to the council tax.

Mainly, “Council Tax Overpayment Scam UK” became a new way for fraudsters, in which they trap people with false promises of a tax refund. If you are living in the United Kingdom, then it’s necessary for you to know about this scam.

What is the Council Tax Overpayment Scam UK?

In this scam, fraudsters contact you by phone, email, or message. And tells you you’ve overpaid council tax in the past few years, so now they will be going to receive the refund. Then they send the link, or they ask for your personal information, so they can take out the money in your name.

For example, a Birmingham lady received a call – “Hello, we are calling from your council”.

You have submitted your tax in  2018-2022, and you would get a £389 refund.” He happily shared the details, and within a few hours, hundreds of pounds disappeared from his account.

Scammers method: how did they commit fraud?

1.  Calling as a government official

             Scammers talk in a professional tone and present themselves as “Local Council Refund Officer”.

     2.  Sending a fake website or link

            They send you a fake website link that looks real, like the real one.

       3.  Asking for the details

            As you visit the website, they ask for your account number, national insurance number, debit card details, and sometimes ask for your password.

       4. Instant money transfer

           As soon as they get the details, they withdraw money from your account or empty the account through a fake direct debit.

 How are you gonna know that this is a scam?

• The council never refunds money through a call or a message
• A government website never asks for the card or bank details
• Focus on URL – a real government website domain always ends with “.gov.uk”.
• If the caller forces you to send your details in a hurry, then you should be aware.

What to do if you get this type of call?

1. Never give an instant reply

            If you get a call like this, then say “I am busy” and cut the call

        2. Verify it by visiting the council website yourself

            Whichever council you are associated with, go to their official website and log in, and check if you have any  refund messages.

        3.  Report it to Action Fraud

           If you think that you have been scammed, then report it to Action Fraud UK immediately.

        4. Inform your bank

           If you have given any information mistakenly, then contact your bank immediately so they can block your account.

How to keep yourself safe?

• Never click on any Unknown link
• Never share details like your bank or National Insurance number with anyone on the phone.
• Always keep on two-factor authentication.
• Change your password every 3 months and never share your PIN code with anyone.

Final thoughts

Council Tax Overpayment Scam UK sounds like a small fraud, but through this, scammers steal people’s life savings. Your vigilance is your biggest protection. If anyone talks about a refund, then verify it by visiting your local council website, and never trust any call or link.

Be careful, stay safe, and tell others about this scam.

Read more:- Bank Refund Scam: A Silent Threat to Thousands of UK Citizens