Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert team has warned anyone who is due the £150 council tax rebate to be aware of scammers.
The council tax rebate is available to all households in council tax bands A to D in England, Scotland and Wales and is designed to help with the rising cost of energy bills. Councils need to pay the rebate to households by September 30 - though some have already started to make pay outs.
The MSE website states it has seen a number of reports from councils urging residents to beware fraudsters. Officials have also cautioned households to watch out.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert team shares how to get up to £175 for free from banks
The rebate will, in most cases, be paid automatically to those who pay their council tax by direct debit. However, if you don't pay your council tax by direct debit you may have to provide your local authority with your bank account details.
But it is important to bear in mind that councils will never call you to request bank details. If cold callers ask for your bank account details in order for you to be paid the rebate it’s likely to be a scam.
The MSE website advised: "Councils will reach out to households to confirm how they’ll make the payment, but you should beware giving out your personal or financial details over the phone. If you’re not sure the caller is genuine, hang up and phone your council directly using the contact number on its website."
If you're worried you've been scammed, here's what to do
Below is a checklist of what you should do if you think you've been scammed:
- If you've already responded to a scam, end all further communication immediately.
- Call your bank directly and cancel any recurring payments – for speed and ease, most can call a new 159 hotline.
- Report the scam to the police through Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or report a scam anonymously on the Action Fraud website. If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.
- If you wish to seek further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action via the Citizens Advice website, or call its Scams Action helpline on 0808 250 5050.
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