20 Jun 2012
Stockport Council issued another alert to householders to be on their guard against scam Council Tax band phone calls.

Residents have contacted the Council to say they’ve been phoned by a company which offers to change their Council Tax band. The company asks for band details and a fee upfront to process claims. It may also arrange meetings with householders to discuss re-banding.
 
The Council’s Trading Standards say the company is making misrepresentations and claims to be working with, or on behalf of, Stockport Council or the valuation office.
 
Trading Standards advise householders to put the phone down on the caller, and report all incidents as legal action is being considered and this helps to gather evidence.
 
Residents should report incidents to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506.
 
Stockport Council automatically refunds any over-payments and does not phone householders to ask for bank details. If you think you may have overpaid, phone the Council on 217 6014 and ask for it to be checked. 

If you want to check whether you’re in the right Council Tax band, contact the Valuation Office on 0845 602 1507 or visit their webpages at www.direct.gov.uk  If you wish to appeal against the band you are in, this is dealt with free of charge.