RESIDENTS have been warned about a scam where council tax refunds are offered in exchange for a fee.

A number of people have reported to Islington Council that they have been contacted by a company claiming to be able to refund substantial sums of money on their behalf.

The conmen’s modus operandi is to tell victims the council tax banding for their property may be incorrect, and offer to pay money back in exchange for a £65 “administration fee”. The refund never turns up and the fee is lost.

Elderly residents may be the main targets for this scam, the subject of complaints nationwide.

Residents are urged to be extra vigilant when receiving a call, letter, email or text about a council tax refund that arrives out of the blue, as part of which they are asked to send money in advance to a third party, and are asked for bank account or credit card details.

Residents affected by this issue should call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 6040506 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer.

Those who believe their council tax band is wrong can call 0300 123 2035 or visit www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals/challenge-your-band