13/04/11……..Council Tax phone scam warning

LOCAL residents are being warned to be vigilant after a after a number of people were targeted by a council tax scam.

Residents have reported receiving calls from people claiming to be from the South Oxfordshire District Council, saying that they can arrange an immediate refund on their council tax if the resident provides their bank details.

SODC does not, and would not, make these telephone calls nor would staff ask for bank or credit card details by telephone to process a refund.

You should never give your bank details out over the phone to someone for a refund of council tax.

If anyone receives such a call they should refuse to disclose information and contact the District Council as soon as possible on 0345 302 2315. Council staff will confirm whether any refund is outstanding and if so arrange a refund in the normal manner.

Payments are taken securely by telephone every day from residents, but refunds are not processed over the phone.

If you have passed your bank or credit card details to anyone recently regarding a council tax refund, please contact your bank branch or card company.

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