Council Tax con warning

HIGH Peak Borough Council has urged residents to check the identity of anyone claiming to be from the local authority.

The plea was made by Tim Norton, executive councillor for corporate services, after a Buxton householder told the council that a supposed official had telephoned her to say she had overpaid her council tax and was due a large refund.

The caller then asked her for her bank details, at which point she ended the call. Now, the council has stressed that it would never contact anyone in such a manner.

Cllr Norton explained: “It’s unusual for the council to telephone someone without first sending written information. Nevertheless, anyone receiving a telephone call from someone claiming to represent the council should ask for the person’s name and job title. They should then ask the caller to ring back at a more convenient time before ending the call, and then check the caller’s credentials with the council.

“Similarly, householders should never let someone into their home without first seeking proof of identity and then calling the organisation the caller claims to represent. Residents should secure their door chain while checking the person’s credentials. Alternatively, they could ask the person to call back at a more convenient time.

“Council employees always carry proof of identity, without which they should not be admitted to your home”, he advised.