council tax scam in Mid Sussex

Be aware of council tax scam in Mid Sussex

10 September 2014

Residents are being urged to be aware of a scam involving offenders claiming to be offering council tax refunds.

A number of people in Mid Sussex have been phoned and told that they had been placed in the wrong council tax band and that they should get a sum of money back.

The offender then told the victims that they would need to pay a fee via their debit or credit card to get their full refund and asked for their card details.

A number of elderly and vulnerable people across the district have been contacted and have given their card details out.

It is not yet known whether any of the victims have lost money in the scam or if there are more people who have been targeted but who have not contacted either Sussex Police or Mid Sussex District Council.

There could also be victims in other parts of Sussex.

Sergeant Graeme Prentice said: "We need to speak to anyone who has been contacted by those involved in the scam so that we can track down and arrest those responsible.

"They appear to be deliberately targeting the vulnerable and the elderly and we want to stop them before they steal anyone else's money.

"If you have elderly or vulnerable residents or neighbours please make them aware of this scam so they do not become a victim."

Councillor Christopher Snowling, Mid Sussex District Council's cabinet member for health and community, said: "The council will never contact you out of the blue to ask for personal information like your bank details.

"I would like to urge our residents to be vigilant and not give out their personal details unless they are absolutely sure of the caller's identity.

"If you're in any doubt, please call our switchboard on 01444 458166 to check a council number is genuine."

The process of claiming a council tax refund does not involve telephoning the person eligible for a refund. Councils will write to the person eligible for a refund and then send a cheque or make a direct payment into their bank once they confirm that person still resides at the relevant address. No fee will ever be requested to process a refund.

If you have been contacted as part of the scam or you know someone who has but has not reported it, please email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101.

 

Best Regards   John   John Wright MBE Chair. Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation. Mobile:   07917385213 Business:01444 247368 Email: enquiries@sussexnwfed.org.uk Web:  www.sussexnwfed.org.uk