Never give your bank account, debit card or other personal information over the phone if you're not sure who is calling you.
There have been reports of people receiving text messages, calls or emails claiming to be from GOV.UK about Council Tax.
There are different types of scams when it comes to Council Tax.
Council Tax refunds
People contact residents claiming they are from BCP Council or GOV.UK and say that the person is due a refund. They then ask for bank account or debit card details so that they can make the refund.
If we already hold your account details, we will send any refund due to that account - we would not phone you. If we do not have your bank details, we will send you a credit bill which will advise you how to apply for an online Council Tax refund.
Outstanding Council Tax payments
Residents are targeted by people claiming to be from BCP Council, who demand an immediate payment to cover outstanding Council Tax arrears.
If you owe Council Tax, you will have received a reminder notice or final warning notice from us, telling you how much you owe and how you can pay. If you’re not sure, check your account online.
Council Tax rebanding service
Some companies offer to check your Council Tax band and appeal on your behalf. However, they will probably charge you a fee for this. It’s easy to check for yourself, and you can get free advice on making an appeal from the Valuation Office Agency.
You can check your Council Tax band on the GOV.UK website.
If you get a call about Council Tax rebanding, ask the caller for their name, which company they are from and their phone number and tell them you will call them back.
You can contact us to check if the caller is genuine.
If you have given them your card details, contact your bank immediately and then the police via the Action Fraud website.