Warning over council tax scam
East Hampshire residents are being warned to be cautious about cold calls asking for payment of council tax over the phone after reports from concerned customers.
Two local people have got in touch with East Hampshire District Council to say they had received calls from someone claiming to be from the council, and asking for debit or credit card payments over the phone.
Daniel Lucking from EHDC’s Council Tax department said:
“We would never telephone our customers and ask them to give us their bank details over the phone or to demand payment.
“We are not aware of anyone having actually been taken in by this scam so far, but wanted to make sure people were aware how to tell if a call is real in case there were other cases that had not been reported to us yet.”
He added:
“If you do get a call from someone claiming to be from our council tax department and you are unsure if it is genuine, please end the call and give us a ring on 01730 234400.
“If it is a call from us we won’t mind you doing this at all, we’d rather you were safe than sorry.”
The council has been in touch with Hampshire Constabulary to make them aware of the issue.
Anyone who has any concerns or has received a similar call is asked to let EHDC know on 01730 234400.
If you have made a payment you think may be fraudulent call Hampshire Constabulary on 101.
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