Why it matters: Residents could lose hundreds of pounds to scammers offering services they can access for free through official channels.
The details: The callers are targeting homes claiming residents are entitled to council tax rebates because the council made errors in property banding. They offer to help secure these rebates on a "no win, no fee" basis, but paperwork reveals they charge 35% of any rebate obtained.
What's legal: While charging fees for council tax appeals is not illegal, residents can challenge their council tax bands completely free of charge by contacting the valuation office agency directly.
What to do: Residents who believe their property may be in the wrong council tax band can check their banding at www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands and challenge it for free at www.gov.uk/challenge-council-tax-band.
The bottom line: Be aware that council tax band appeals are free through official channels - if you choose to pay someone else to handle the process, make sure you understand the costs involved.
