Beware tax phone scam
People living in Northumberland are being targeted in a phone scam claiming to offer them a council tax refund.
Fraudsters pretending to be from Northumberland County Council have phoned up people living in the county with different stories to try to get bank details out of their victims.
The latest problem comes on the back of a spate of e-mails sent to small businesses in the county trying to get hold of bank and credit card details by telling them they had over or underpaid council tax and could face a fine.
In one incident, a resident was informed that under a new government scheme she was now eligible for a council tax band reduction. A number of elderly residents have also been contacted and informed that they have a credit on their council tax account that needs to be refunded. In each case the caller has asked for bank details.
A spokesperson from Northumberland County Council said: "Please be vigilant and if you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please alert them too.
"This is an unscrupulous scam carried out in the hope of deceiving vulnerable or unsuspecting residents. If you are in doubt, no matter how convincing the caller may be, hang up and refer the matter to the police."
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