MoneySavingExpert, founded by Martin Lewis, has issued a warning to anybody waiting on a £150 council tax rebate. Millions of people who live in properties which fall under bands A-D are owed money to help with the cost of living crisis.
If you are eligible and pay by direct debit in Wales, the money should have been in your account from April 1. Those who do not pay by direct debit were advised to contact their local council to find out how they would receive their money.
But households are being warned over scammers who are exploiting those still awaiting their grant. MoneySavingExpert has warned that fraudsters are using the government scheme as an opportunity to target vulnerable people, reports The Manchester Evening News.
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A number of councils including Durham and Southwark have told residents to be wary of scam phone calls. "Please don’t give your bank details to anyone who calls you about the national council tax rebate scheme," Durham Council said on Twitter. "We’re aware of a scam but we will not ask for your details as part of this process." You can get more money news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
The Independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said earlier this month: “While for direct debit payers the rebate is deducted automatically, for others it relies on them being contacted by their council and ‘invited to make a claim’. The overall level of take-up therefore depends on the proportion that pay via direct debits and the take-up among other council tax payers.” Martin Lewis has shared his washing machine tips and other advice in a guide to how to save on bills - you can read more about that here.
Around 80% of UK households are eligible for the council tax refund, which is being given out to people living in homes registered as bands A to D. But be wary of scammers posing as local authorities and cold calling households. Your council will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
If you think you've been scammed, contact your bank directly as soon as possible using the number on the back of your bank card. Notify your council too. Most banks including Halifax, Natwest and Lloyds can be reached using the new 159 scam line.
