Warning to householders over council tax scam (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Warning to householders over council tax scam

8:20am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned to watch out for callers offering to reduce your council tax payments.

Residents have reported being called by a company offering to help in making a claim to reduce their council tax banding cost.

A spokesman for HaltonTrading Standards said: “The caller will have ‘a patter’ they may say they can assist with making a claim as your property is banded incorrectly.

"They may also claim they can help to reduce your bill if you are the sole occupant. The fact is that there is no need for assistance as anyone can do this for themselves.

"Please do not engage with the caller and do not give out any personal details.

“If you feel that the band on your home is wrong, then all you have to do is contact the Valuation Office Agency and explain why you think it is incorrect.

“You will also be asked to confirm that the details held about your home are correct. They will listen to your views and if they agree that the band is wrong they will change it.”

To have your council tax band checked free of charge, contact the Valuation Office Agency on 03000 501 501.

Alternatively go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/ scroll down to housing and local services then click on council tax which will then take you to the correct page. 

Please report any incidents of a similar nature to Cheshire Police on 101. Alternatively call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can pass the information on anonymously or use the ‘giving information form’ on its website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org