South Ayrshire Council News

South Ayrshire Council is warning the public to be on their guard if they receive an unexpected phone call advising them they are due a refund of part of their Council tax payment. The bogus caller will ask for personal information, such as bank details, claiming this is so they can refund your payment.

The problem was uncovered after a member of the public contacted the Council about the apparent Council Tax 'refund'. Council employees were immediately suspicious, as the Council do not cold call and ask people for personal financial information over the phone.

The matter was passed to the Council's Trading Standards Service and their enquiries have revealed that this is a scam that has been prevalent in some other parts of the country.

Councillor Peter Convery, Sustainability and the Environment Portfolio Holder said: "As customers we are often urged not to disclose personal financial information over the phone and in reply to emails but the fact that this contact purports to be from South Ayrshire Council may catch people off guard, particularly the more vulnerable members of our community. It is hard enough for many people to struggle in this financial climate without a criminal element trying to defraud them of their cash. I urge everyone to be on their guard if they receive unexpected calls asking them to divulge their personal financial information. The Council or any other reputable company would not seek this kind of information as a result of a cold call."

"Scams can take many guises such as asking for personal information to refund a balance on electricity payments after moving electricity supplier. I repeat my appeal to the public to be extra vigilant when receiving cold calls and not to part with personal financial information."

If you have been the victim of this scam or any other scam, you can contract the Council's Trading Standards Advice Centre in confidence at 5-7 River Terrace, Ayr or call Ayr 616060.