New Forest District Council warns residents about council tax energy rebate scams

SCAMMERS are calling people and asking for their bank details to receive the council tax energy rebate, New Forest District Council has warned.

Yesterday (Monday) the authority began paying the £150 government deduction – which has come to help offset rising costs – to eligible households who have paid their April council tax instalment by debit card.

A spokesperson for NFDC stressed residents do not need to take any action and will receive the money in their bank account by the end of April.

People who don’t pay their council tax by direct debit and who NFDC cannot make a direct payment to, will receive a letter by the end of April inviting them to make a claim to receive it in their bank account, she added.

"NFDC are warning residents to be aware of scammers calling people and asking for their bank details in order to receive the council tax energy rebate," the spokesperson continued.

"NFDC say they would never cold call and ask for bank details over the phone or send a text, and for anyone who is worried, to hang up and contact their bank and report the scam to the police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040."