Residents in East Cambridgeshire are being warned to watch out for a possible Council Tax scam.

 

The Anglia Revenue Partnership, which deals with council tax payments and benefits on behalf of East Cambridgeshire District Council, is highlighting a recent call they received from a customer in Suffolk.

 

The resident had received an email entitled ‘Your Council Tax Bill Overdue’ - claiming he had an unpaid Council Tax Bill. The email went on to demand they respond by providing personal information within 72 hours otherwise further action would be taken.

 

The resident was not taken in by the scam and did not respond instead he contacted his local council.

 

Jo Brooks, Director (Regulatory Services) from East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Thankfully in East Cambridgeshire, our residents have not been victims of this type of scam which has been flagged up by the Anglia Revenue Partnership. However that should not make any of us complacent. The professional fraudster will try various techniques and tactics to get money out of their selected victim – it requires vigilance to not fall for the tricks they may use.

 

“We would never send an email demanding personal information. Our bills, including arrears notices, are sent out by post, any online information is only requested via the Council's/ARP website - we also accept payments via the secure web-based system or by telephone. If you are in any doubt, do not respond, please get in touch with us or the police.”    

 

For more information visit www.angliarevenues.gov.uk or call 0845 072 6000 to speak to an advisor.

 

Alternatively visit the pages on fraud on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website: www.cambs.police.uk/crimeprevention/advice/advice.asp?ID=150 which also contains a link to ‘The Little book of Big Scams’ booklet from the Metropolitan Police to will help combat fraud and other economic crime.