SCAMMERS are attempting to con people out of money in Oxford by claiming they are due tax refunds.

Oxford City Council has warned residents to be wary of the recent council tax scam targeting households.

Scammers are contacting people by phone, text, or email and posing as staff from the council, the Valuation Office Agency, or the Tax Recovery Bureau.

The scam attempts to defraud people by telling them they are due a tax refund having already paid too much, or offering a refund as their home is in the wrong council tax band, or demanding payment for council tax arrears.

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The council will never ask for payment to make a council tax refund.

A warning about the fake website fraudsters are using was also issued by the council.

Residents should end a call or delete texts or emails if they suspect a scam or that a caller is fraudulent. The council has said do not give out information such as bank account of debit card details to people they suspect are fraudsters.

The council does asked for details to administer their council tax accounts but residents can verify genuine contact from the council by calling 01865 249811 or email counciltax@oxford.gov.uk

Councillor Nigel Chapman said: “We will never charge anyone for a council tax refund or to reassess their council tax banding.

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"If someone contacts you claiming to be from the council, you can verify this by calling [the number above]. If you’re not sure that a call, text or email is genuine, please check with us before giving out personal information like bank details."