CHESHIRE East Council is warning residents to be on their guard against a Council Tax ‘refund’ scam.

A fraudulent email, sent from the address REFUND@direct.gov.uk, is currently circulating claiming individuals are eligible for a Council Tax refund.

The email asks for confidential bank and credit card details and passwords, and implies association with local government.

Clr Peter Raynes, Cheshire East Cabinet member in charge of finance, said: “This is a total scam.  We are warning residents not to get sucked into filling in forms and giving away confidential or personal information to unscrupulous conmen.

“Unfortunately, some people are taken in.  However, Cheshire East Council never texts or emails residents in this way to request personal or financial information.

“If refunds are due, or there is any change in your bill, then statements will be sent through the post.  We either refund the money direct if you pay by direct debit or by cheque sent to the bill payer’s address.

“We have alerted Cheshire police to this issue and would urge people to be vigilant.  If you receive this scam email you should delete it and not complete the form and contact the police.”

Anyone who receives such a message should not reply to it.  Scams like this should be reported at actionfraud.police.uk.  Alternatively, call 0300 123 2040. 

If you suspect you have been a victim of a Council Tax scam, call the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.