Council Tax scams and fraud

Scammers may contact you about your Council Tax. If you have concerns about a phone call or email, do not reply or give them any information. End the call and phone us on 0191 433 3600.

We will never phone or email you to ask for your bank details, or ask for a payment to release a Council Tax overpayment.

Tips to stay safe

• do not give your bank details to anyone
• do not let anyone into your home without seeing appropriate identification
• do not feel under pressure from a cold caller to pay an immediate upfront fee. Take time to think about it
• do not accept cold callers' claims about your band without seeing evidence or proof of what they are claiming
• do not deal with anyone that is reluctant to give you their company address or contact details

Common types of scam

The "paid too much Council Tax" scam

The scammers tell you that you have paid too much Council Tax and that you can claim the cash back for a small fee. They will ask for your bank details so you can have the tax repaid into your account.

The "property in the wrong band" scam

The scammers tell you that your property is in the wrong Council Tax band. You are then told you are due a refund, asked for a fee to release the money and for your bank details. GOV.UK (opens new window) has further information about this scam.

The "due a reduction or refund" scam

The scammers tell you that you are due a Council Tax reduction and refund. The scammer tells you that they need an initial payment from you to release the refund.  

More information

Action Fraud (opens new window) has information about all kinds of fraud and how to report fraud and cybercrime.