Fraudsters are targeting the district in an attempt to cut themselves in on cash owed to residents.

A warning has been issued today over a business visiting homes in Epping Forest, posing as council officers.

Staff at Epping Forest District Council have heard reports of a company operating in the south of the district, knocking on doors and offering to get council tax bands reduced.

The perpetrators, according to reports, allege to be from ‘council tax’ and are giving people the impression they are from EFDC.

Anyone using the company’s services should be aware that should it be successful in getting a council tax band reduced, it will take a share of any overpayment.

Anyone who feels as though their council tax band is set too high should call the Valuation Office Agency on 03000 501501.

Rob Pavey, Assistant Director for Council Tax said: “I would urge people to check for ID, read carefully any document before they sign it, seek advice if they need to from the council tax section or the Valuation Office Agency, and get a copy of any signed document.”

The department can be contacted on 01992 564188 or 564189.