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Scams

Find out how to stay safe from Council Tax scammers.

We want to keep you safe from dishonest people and companies that may be operating in Torbay. They may phone or even call at your home.

They might try to get you to give them your money by saying:

  • You are in the wrong council tax band. They will say they can help you appeal against this for an up-front fee.
  • They work for us, or the valuation office and you are due a refund of council tax. They will ask for your bank details so they can pay the money to you. They will then take money from this account.
  • You that you must, by law, have an agent to represent you to appeal against your banding. This is not true. You can do this yourself or someone can help you.
  • You must pay a fee to challenge your band. This is also not true. It is free and easy to challenge your band.
Check your council tax band
Challenge your council tax band

Tips to avoid getting scammed

  • Never give your bank account, credit card or personal details to people you don't know
  • Be suspicious of letters, phone calls, or emails that you are not expecting asking you to send money
  • If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is
  • Never ring an 090 number unless you're certain how much the call will cost and what you are likely to receive
  • Don't send money off just because a letter seems official, scammers often use this trick
  • Don’t let anyone into your home without seeing appropriate identification
  • Don’t feel under pressure from a cold-caller to pay an immediate up-front fee

For general tips see the action fraud website.

Things you should do

  • Tell the police if you think someone is pretending they work for Torbay Council or the valuation office
  • Dial 999 if a cold caller refuses to leave your home
  • Contact your local Trading Standards if you feel you have been the victim of a scam