Criminals are posing as council staff to con people out of money, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

The LGA has reported a ‘barrage’ of council tax scams where people are being offered bogus refunds or threatening fines.

Recent scams include criminals requesting bank details to issue a non-existent council tax refund or a fee for a council tax band reassessment.

‘Cold-hearted criminals are using more convincing council tax scams which are being sent out barrage-style and reported by local authorities all across the country,’ said cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board.

’These council tax scams can damage people’s lives, both financially and emotionally, and anyone can be fooled by them, especially if they appear to look official.

‘Anyone who is contacted about a council tax refund or assessment over their council tax band which includes a request for personal information and bank details should ignore it and report it.’