Is this a genuine council tax refund email?

Residents in a UK county are being urged to be vigilant as messages are claiming victims are intitled to Council Tax refunds - an alluring thought as we approach the most expensive time of year.

In our experience; here at The Scam Hound when a con such as this starts in one county it quickly filters to another. It is best to remain alert and if you know someone who would fall for this, share this webpage with them.

Pembrokeshire County Council claims fraudulent messages are being sent via email and text linking to unofficial fake websites which claim you’ve made an overpayment, submit your personal information and card details and a refund will be forwarded in due course.

They also claim you’re entitled to a refund because you may have moved house, you’re now eligible for an exemption, or you’ve been re-assessed. Official branding and convincing language is making this a very believable scam.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: "We are urging residents to be cautious if they receive an unexpected message claiming they are due a Council Tax refund. Criminals often use these types of scams to obtain personal and financial information. If you are unsure whether a communication is genuine, please contact the Council directly.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Advises:

• Be wary of unsolicited emails, text messages or phone calls about Council Tax refunds.

• Never provide banking, card or personal details via links contained in unexpected messages.

• Check the authenticity of any communication by contacting the Council directly.

• Report suspected scam messages and delete them immediately.

This is solid advice throughout the UK. We would recommend reporting scam emails to Report Fraud, forward scam text to 7726 (spam) as well as your Council and get your email provider to block them.

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