Sedgemoor District Council has this week issued a scam warning, and advised Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge residents not to be taken in by a company that claims to be acting on behalf of the council.
The council’s warning comes after residents reported a number of suspicious phone calls.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, council spokeswoman Claire Faun says: “Residents have told us that they have received calls either asking for an up-front fee via the resident’s bank account and card details in return for ‘lowering their council tax band’ or ‘checking if they are on the correct council tax band’.”
She stressed: “This is not a phone call from Sedgemoor District Council. Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency and can only be changed under certain conditions.”
“Details can be found online here and if you think your band is wrong, contact the Valuation Office Agency, who will not charge you for the service.”
Residents who are struggling to pay their Council Tax bills and need help can speak with a member of the Sedgemoor District Council Tax Team who can help and provide advice on 0300 303 7801.
Claire added: “If you have given over personal details, we would advise you to call the Police straight away on 101 and report the matter as an identity theft scam. The Police will also direct you to the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040.”
