Text message scam warning - Council Tax refund
Contents
Overview
We have had reports that some residents have received text messages claiming to be from GOV.UK, indicating that they are due a Council Tax refund.
To process the refund, they are asked to follow a link contained in the message which, when opened, takes the resident to a website which has the same look-and-feel as the GOV.UK website, and which asks for their banking details.
The text message and website are fraudulent.
Anyone who enter their details are at great risk of losing money.
South Tyneside Council does not send text messages to notify you that you are due a Council Tax refund.
This practice is known commonly as a "phishing" scam. More information on this and other types of scams can be found on the Action Fraud website.
Scam telephone call
Residents have also received telephone calls claiming that they are about to be investigated for tax fraud. The person is then asked to enter a number into the phone and follow instructions. This is untrue and the resident is not under investigation. Please do not reply to such calls.
Anyone who enter their details are at great risk of losing money.
Advice on scams
Call Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Report scams
Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Action Fraud.