PEOPLE in South Somerset are being warned to be on their guard about someone making bogus phone calls about council tax.

The caller states that he is from a company which, for a fee, can arrange to reduce the household’s council tax for them. The caller then says that the company is employed by South Somerset District Council to carry out this work.

This company is NOT working for South Somerset District Council, nor does the council have any companies working for it in this way.

If you get a call from someone saying they are working on behalf of South Somerset District Council to reduce Council Tax charges and asking for a fee, the advice is simple - end the call straightaway.

For advice about Council Tax Band reductions, discounts, exemptions or Council Tax Benefit - replaced with Council Tax Reduction from April 2013 - please visit the council’s website www.southsomerset.gov.uk or call 01935-462462.

The council’s revenues and benefits spokesman, Cllr Peter Seib, said: “Telephone scams are prevalent at the moment and, in this case, they are charging a fee and saying they can get Council Tax reduced.

“It is important that you do not make any payments or give them any personal details. You can get free advice about your Council Tax from South Somerset District Council.”

People have been urged not to give out their bank details over the phone if they get a call from someone saying they are from the council and asking for secure financial information.

The council has said that people should ask the caller for their name and telephone number and say they will call them back. People should then telephone South Somerset District Council and ask for the revenues team who will then check their account to see if they are due a refund and let them know how it will be paid.

A spokesman for the revenues team said: “If you pay your Council Tax to SSDC by direct debit, the council will already have your bank details. And if you pay by another method, the council would send you a refund cheque.”