Council Tax scams and how to avoid them

We may contact you by phone, email or text message to tell you that a payment is due or overdue, but our messages never ask for your bank details.

If you have any doubt about a message you have received, contact us directly - do not give out your personal details.

How to spot a scam message

A message is a scam if it:

• Asks for card or bank details
• Says that you are entitled to a refund or band reduction
• Offers to write-off Council Tax arrears for a fee

Genuine Council Tax messages

See below for examples of genuine Council Tax messages from Wandsworth Council.

Text

Online form

Authentication process for text messages

For security and GDPR reasons, as part of the authentication process you need to enter your postcode when you receive a text message. 

You have three attempts to enter the correct postcode before access is blocked.

Email

View full size image

Further information on Council Tax scams can be found on GOV.UK.