Pembrokeshire County Council says fake emails, texts and websites claim you are owed a council tax refund, and aim to get your bank card details.
Pembrokeshire County Council in Wales is warning that criminals are sending fake messages saying residents are owed a council tax refund. They arrive by email, text and unofficial websites. The goal is to get your bank card details.
Council tax is the local bill households pay to their council. The fake messages say a refund is due because of a change to an account. The reasons include moving house, becoming eligible for a discount, or a reassessment of what you owe. Recipients are urged to click a link and enter sensitive information, including bank card details.
The council says scammers often copy official-looking branding and language, so a message can look real. Councillor Jon Harvey, the cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said criminals often use these scams to obtain personal and financial information.
Council tax payers in Pembrokeshire are the focus of the warning. The trick is simple, though, and any unexpected refund message by email, text or phone deserves the same doubt. If you did not ask about a refund, treat the message as suspect. If you have not received one, nothing needs fixing now beyond staying alert.
The steps to take are in the alert box above. In short, use only the contact details on the council's website, and if you already replied, tell your bank right away.
The council did not say how many people received the messages or whether anyone has lost money. It also did not say who is behind them.
Never click a link in an unexpected council tax refund message. Check with the council through the contact details on its official website.
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