Warning over telephone scam

By Emily Pearce

Friday, July 30, 2010

ISLANDERS have been warned to be wary of a possible council tax scam.

A number of homeowners have received suspicious phone calls — apparently from a call centre based in India — offering a refund for overpayments of council tax and claiming their council tax band needs to be corrected.

Homeowners have then been asked for the three digit security code on the back of their credit or debit card, to process a £75 payment.

The Isle of Wight Council said the calls were in no way related to the local authority, and warned residents not to give out personal or financial information over the phone.

Anyone who receives such a phone call should contact the council's trading standards department on 01983 821000.

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk