Stockport Council is warning consumers to be on their guard following complaints from residents who have been approached by scam businesses.

The Council were contacted by a resident who had been approached by a scam company claiming they had paid too much tax and asking for an upfront fee of £65 to get their Council Tax reduced.

This company was not acting on behalf of the Council, as they wouldn’t know how much Council Tax anyone has paid and the householder could have ended up losing money.

The safest and most secure way to pay your Councils tax is by setting up a direct debit. Payments can also be accepted online but ensure these are made by an online payment via the Council website at www.stockport.gov.uk.

Council Tax bands are determined by the Valuation Office which advises that, in the first instance, householders should contact them if they believe the banding is incorrect. There is no charge for registering an appeal with the Valuation Office, full details on how to appeal can be found at www.stockport.gov.uk/counciltax.

Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Housing, said: “These scams can be very plausible but are nothing more than attempts to defraud local residents.  If in doubt just put the phone down and report the call.  Scammers need to know that Stockport residents are on their guard!”

Residents are encouraged to report scams to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.