Council tax refund fraudsters use new tactics

Council tax fraudsters are using a new tactic where they try to predict the first six digits of a debit card to dupe residents, a council has warned.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council said a resident was told by a caller he was due a refund.

The person was asked for their bank details and card scheme, such as Visa.

"The fraudster would be able to make an educated guess as banks use a certain pattern of numbers for their debit cards," a spokesman said.

He added: "The Royal Borough does not telephone or e-mail residents for their bank details in order to make refunds.

"If a council tax refund is due, residents will be told in writing.

"Refunds are generally paid by cheque and they are only paid to a bank account if council tax payments had been made by direct debit, in which case the council already has the information it needs."