People warned about ‘council tax’ email scam

Published: 13 May 2020

People in Exeter are being warned to stay vigilant and watch out for scam emails relating to council tax rebates.

Exeter City Council said it had been made aware of scam emails doing the rounds.

The email, claiming to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), attempts to gain debit or credit card details from the individual by saying that they are entitled to a council tax refund.

Individuals are encouraged to click through to a page and leave their card details for the refund to be made.

A spokesman for the City Council said that the emails were bogus and people should not give their card details. It urged anyone getting the emails to delete it immediately.

The DWP do not get involved with council tax or bandings and therefore do not write or email individuals offering refunds.

If the City Council had a refund situation, it would normally speak to the individual before emailing them. Any refunds would be sent direct via a bank account (using account number and sort code only) without asking for details in an email.