Beware bogus council tax rebate scam

Scam callers are targeting properties in the county, claiming the householder is due a council tax rebate.

The callers claim to be from Orkney Islands Council and ask for a £79 admin fee to process the rebate.

OIC trading standards is urging folk not to fall for the scam, stressing that the council will never ask for advance payment to process a genuine refund. Anyone called by someone claiming to be from the council should not give out bank details over the phone.

Trading standards manager Gary Foubister explained: “This scam may be feeding on the recent review of council tax gradings on certain bands, which has been in the news of late.

“The reports we’re getting from concerned locals involves scam callers claiming to be phoning from Orkney Islands Council.

“The callers reported to us, to date, have all been described as having foreign accents. However, they know the identities of who they are calling, including addresses, which increases plausibility.

“The callers claim that properties have been incorrectly banded for which the householder is due a substantial rebate but insist an advance admin fee of £79 is required to facilitate payment of the rebate.”

A similar scam has been circulating, by email, where residents are asked to provide bank details by clicking on a link. Again, trading standards advice is to ignore it and delete the email.

For further information or advice, contact trading standards on 873535 or email trading.standards@orkney.gov.uk.