Residents across County Durham are being urged to be on their guard against fraudsters trying to benefit from a national council tax rebate scheme.
Durham County Council understands that callers, claiming to be from the authority, have asked residents for their bank details in order to process the £150 rebate.
The council will not ask for bank details over the phone as part of this process, with all households who pay council tax by direct debit in bands A to D set to receive the payment directly into their bank account.
Anyone who does not pay their council tax by direct debit will be sent a letter with details of how to claim. They can also sign up to pay by direct debit on the council’s website or by telephoning the customer services team, who can assist customers in completing the form.
The authority has also been made aware of customers experiencing cold calls around the use of medical pendants, sales of medical care and personal alarms, and asking people if they are over 50 and eligible for free equipment.
More information on how to sign up to pay council tax by direct debit can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/counciltaxenergyrebate
Information on scams awareness and what to do to prevent scams can also be found at www.durham.gov.uk/scams