Residents warned about phone scams in the Borough

Kingston Council is warning residents to be alert for a scam that's taking place throughout the Borough.

The Council has heard from a number of residents who have been contacted

by telephone by someone claiming to be ringing from 'The Council Tax

department' or from a company saying that the customer can get a refund

on their Council Tax.

The con-caller is telling residents that they are entitled to a rebate and that all the resident has to do is provide

details of their bank account and the caller will transfer the 'rebate'

into their account. Some residents have also been asked to send a sum of

money to cover the cost of 'administration' or to make a donation to

'charity'.

In all instances, residents should NOT provide any personal information or bank details. If you are in any doubt, ask the caller for their name and contact details. A genuine call from Kingston Council can be verified - scam calls, however, cannot.

Commenting, Aiden Walsh, Assistant Manager of Counter Fraud and Corruption Unit at Kingston Council, said: "The chances are that anyone receiving a call along these lines it is a scam.

Kingston Council has received a steady flow of calls in recent days

indicating that the scammers are currently targeting residents in this

area. The police have been made aware of the increase in activity."