Don’t be duped by council tax scammers

Residents are being urged to be on their guard against rogue traders who offer to help cut residents’ council tax bills – for a fee.

Rochdale Council received 20 complaints about council tax scammers in December alone and believe it is a growing problem.

In a recent case, an 88-year-old man was contacted by a man who offered to help him get his house moved to a cheaper council tax band.

The trader made an appointment to visit the elderly man’s home and carry out a valuation, but the man had already contacted the council and public protection officers interrupted the appointment before any money could change hands.

The companies tempt residents with promises cheaper bills, but they don’t mention the average £175 fee – or the fact that the government’s Valuation Office Agency is responsible for the valuation of homes for council tax purposes.

Anybody approached are advised to turn these people away and contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06