Members of the public have reported incidents where a caller pretends to be from the council, telling them they are entitled to a refund of around £7,000. The caller asks for bank details so they can put the money straight into your bank account. The scam works by the caller then attempting to take money out of your bank account. A telephone number is provided so people can call back, but a message asks for your details and states that someone will return your call.
A similar scam is known to operate with the caller claiming to be from the HMRC.
Councils and the HMRC do not operate this way. Under no circumstances should anyone give any details of either their bank account or debit or credit cards. Don’t be fooled if the caller knows the council tax band of the property you reside in, this information can easily be found publically on the internet. If possible, make a note of as much information as you can, end the call and report the incident. Scams may be reported to us via
Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 who will also be able to provide further advice.
Scams are often reported by a victim’s family member, when the victim is vulnerable or elderly. Therefore please share the advice in this message with any vulnerable or elderly people you care for.
A similar scam is known to operate with the caller claiming to be from the HMRC.
Councils and the HMRC do not operate this way. Under no circumstances should anyone give any details of either their bank account or debit or credit cards. Don’t be fooled if the caller knows the council tax band of the property you reside in, this information can easily be found publically on the internet. If possible, make a note of as much information as you can, end the call and report the incident. Scams may be reported to us via
Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 who will also be able to provide further advice.
Scams are often reported by a victim’s family member, when the victim is vulnerable or elderly. Therefore please share the advice in this message with any vulnerable or elderly people you care for.
Kent Trading Standards are warning residents about telephone scams trying to steal your money!
HM Revenue & Customs
show details Mar 23 (7 days ago)
Dear Applicant:
Following an upgrade of our computer systems and review of our records we have investigated your payments and latest tax returns over the last seven years our calculations show that you have made over payments of GBP 178.25
Due to the high volume of refunds due you must complete the online application, the telephone help line is unable to assist with this application. In oder to process your refund you will need to complete the application form attached to this email.Your refund may take up to 6 weeks to process please make sure you complete the form correctly.
NOTE: If you've received an Income Tax ‘repayment’ it will either be following a claim you've made or because HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has received new information about your taxable income or entitlement to allowances. The refund may come through your tax code or as a payment and could relate to the current tax year or earlier years.
An Income Tax repayment is a refund of tax that you've overpaid. So, if you've paid too much tax for example through your job or pension this year or in previous years HMRC will send you a repayment. You'll get the repayment by bank transfer directly to your credit or debit card.
show details Mar 23 (7 days ago)
Dear Applicant:
Following an upgrade of our computer systems and review of our records we have investigated your payments and latest tax returns over the last seven years our calculations show that you have made over payments of GBP 178.25
Due to the high volume of refunds due you must complete the online application, the telephone help line is unable to assist with this application. In oder to process your refund you will need to complete the application form attached to this email.Your refund may take up to 6 weeks to process please make sure you complete the form correctly.
NOTE: If you've received an Income Tax ‘repayment’ it will either be following a claim you've made or because HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has received new information about your taxable income or entitlement to allowances. The refund may come through your tax code or as a payment and could relate to the current tax year or earlier years.
An Income Tax repayment is a refund of tax that you've overpaid. So, if you've paid too much tax for example through your job or pension this year or in previous years HMRC will send you a repayment. You'll get the repayment by bank transfer directly to your credit or debit card.
....and if you have received this email, do not open the attachment and do not respond. It is a scam looking for your card and bank details