Oldham Council issues warning over 'cold calling criminals'
A number of people have been contacted by scammers offering council tax refunds.
Oldham Council is warning residents to be on their guard after reports emerged of a series of new Council Tax scams.
Residents have reported receiving calls and emails from companies who claimed they had been incorrectly overcharged for Council Tax and were entitled to a refund.
The companies are pretending to be Oldham Council and Unity Partnership, but both say they would never call or email residents to offer refunds with alternative arrangements in place.
Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, said: “It’s very concerning that cold calling criminals are targeting residents.
“We’ve even had reports of them targeting people who don’t actually live in Oldham.
“We would urge people to be on their guard.
“We never call or email anyone to offer them a refund and have safe and secure arrangements in place should the need to do so occur.
“My advice to everyone would be to be absolutely sure they know who they are dealing with.”
“A number of Council Tax transactions are available for residents to use online including signing up to direct debit and to make any payments online via our MyAccount service which guarantees the security and peace of mind you need.”
Anyone concerned about a potential scam can call Trading Standards on 03454 040506 or email tradingstandards@oldham.gov.uk.