Redbridge residents warned against fraudsters tricking people out of their hard-earned cash by offering them fake council tax rebates

According to national statistics there has been a spike in the number of crooks cold calling people in recent weeks, including several cases in Redbridge.

The scammers claim their victims are eligible for a council tax rebate because they have been paying too much, but demand a fee to get the payment processed.

Redbridge Council has warned residents they never call out of the blue to discuss tax rebates and would never ask for any money beforehand.

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Kam Rai said: “There has been a sharp increase nationally in the number of reports relating to fake council tax refunds, including some in Redbridge in recent weeks.

“The caller tells potential victims they are due a substantial council tax rebate, usually because their council tax band is too high.

“The fraudsters will tell you that they can get you a refund but ask for a fee payment in advance to claim it back and ask for bank details.

“I urge residents to be alert and not make any payments to cold callers pretending to be from the council.”

To avoid falling into the trap the council is warning people never to respond to unsolicited phone calls or give out any personal financial information over the phone.

If you do receive a suspicious call hang up, wait five minutes, then report the call to Action Fraud using a different phone if possible.

For more information about council tax, see the Redbridge website.