Halton Borough Council Trading Standards officers are warning of an email scam currently circulating regarding Council tax reductions.
The email claims it is from the UK Government, it is not, it is a scam. See below email people are receiving.
You have a new message from GOV.UK about your Council Tax Working out your Council Tax
You`ll need to know 3 things: · the valuation band for your home in England and Wales or in Scotland · how much your local council charges for that band · whether you can get a discount or exemption from the full bill You are getting a Council Tax Reduction (this used to be called Council Tax Benefit) considering you`re on a low income or get benefits. · Total amount of benefits: GBP 385.50 · The refund amount will be transferred directly on your Debit/Credit Card. Apply now to claim the reductions made over your past 2 years of Council tax payments. Claim your Council Tax Reduction Now ? <http://www.taqniyah.com/e-signup>
The information in this electronic e.Mail message is private and confidential, and only intended for the addressee. Thanks The Government Digital Service Team
What should you do if you’ve received a scam email? Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, explains.
He said: “Do not click on any links in the scam email. Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.
“If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.
“Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email. If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank.”
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133