Council Tax scam

Residents are being warned about a telephone scam operating across the county, in which people are told they have not paid the correct amount of Council Tax.



Thanet District Council was alerted to the scam by the Local Government Chronicle after a number of incidents were reported by concerned local people.



Those answering the calls are told they have either paid too much Council Tax and are entitled to a rebate, or not enough and must pay more or be fined. The caller then asks for bank details after pretending to work for Kent County, or Thanet District Council.



The only time Thanet District Council would ask customers for full bank details over the phone is on arrangement of a direct debit for their Council Tax. When asking for any personal information council officers will always ask a number of security questions and if residents are worried they can call the Council Tax team back themselves on 01843 577558.



Cabinet Member for Customer Services Cllr Simon Moores said: “It is important that anyone who receives a call they believe to be suspicious does not give out any personal information. Whilst the numbers of people reporting a suspected call have been relatively low, it is important to make sure our customers are aware of this and to encourage them to be as vigilant as possible. At Thanet District Council we do contact customers about their Council Tax accounts, however there are strict security protocols in place which all officers are required to follow. Customers can always call Council Tax officers back directly on our helpline number if they are worried.”


To report a suspected scam, residents should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506