A warning has been issued to homeowners to be wary of council tax fraudsters.
People are being advised to be on their guard following reports of fraudsters telephoning and visiting homes claiming to offer large sums of money in council tax rebates.
Incidents of the potential scam have been reported across the country and Ashford Borough Council has received calls from residents targeted by the conmen.
The scam usually involves a telephone call, although some incidents have involved home visits, by someone claiming to be from the council and offering a refund of council tax.
The fraudsters offer large rebates, sometimes up to £3,000, before asking for their victim’s bank account details so the refund can be paid to them. In some cases the refund is offered on condition that the homeowner pays £90 for an information pack before asking for bank details to arrange the refund.
Cllr Michael Claughton, Ashford council’s portfolio holder for communications and community safety, said: “Our advice is to follow the guidance issued by Police and Trading Standards officials and never supply personal details, especially bank account information, to anyone unless you know who they are.
“We urge our residents to be vigilant over unsolicited phone calls such as this, no matter how professional or believable they may be. If you have any doubt that the company may not be genuine you should always err on the side of caution.
“If you believe you have been targeted in this way or think you may have been the victim of fraud you should contact the police immediately.”
Victims of fraud can contact Ashford’s Community Safety Unit on 01233 330891 or Kent Police for the Ashford and Tenterden area on 01303 850055.
Homeowners contacted by someone claiming to be from Ashford Borough Council can verify this by calling the council’s Customer Services Team on 01233 331111.