Residents are being urged to be on their guard after a Penygraig man received a telephone call from a company saying he had been chosen for a Council Tax refund – via a prize draw!
The male caller informed the resident that he had won the draw and qualified for a Council Tax refund, giving him the telephone number as 0203 026 5276 and a reference number to use to make his claim.
He was also asked to provide his bank details to receive the £7,000 refund, but the resident refused, asking instead for a cheque to be sent that has never arrived.
This is the latest in a series of incidents in which Rhondda Cynon Taf residents have been contacted at their homes by telephone and informed they are entitled to Council Tax refunds. In all cases they have been asked to provide their bank details in order for the refund to be transferred.
All residents are reminded that whilst Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and, specifically its Council Tax department, does conduct some of its business by telephone, there is no refund or rebate schemes in place through a prize draw.
If a council tax payer has overpaid their council tax account they will receive notification of this from the Council. The notice will include the customers unique account number which they should quote when contacting the Council either by telephone or in writing.
Those who receive a call at home are urged not to pass on financial details but to ascertain the caller’s identity, securing a contact number if possible.
All such incidents should then be reported to Trading Standards on 01443 425777 and South Wales Police via 101.
