A council tax bill

Taxpayers in Preston are being warned about scam emails as the time comes for council tax bills to land on doormats across the city.

Preston City Council says it has received a number of emails forwarded on from concerned residents which appear to be scams.

Emails from Online Council Tax UK and a Miss Rourke of Unity Partnership claim the homeowner has received a council tax refund.

The email goes on to state an online form needs to be filled in so the money can be credited to their accounts.

A government agency advertising banner is included at the bottom of the email to make it look credible.

Read more: Council tax and cost of dying to rise in Preston

The city council is urging anyone who receives the email to ignore the email and delete it immediately.

Here is the suspicious email in full:

Subject: RE: Council Tax Refund -Confirmation
Hello ,
After checking my records I can confirm that a refund was issued for the amount of £341.04 on 01.03.2017.
You should receive the refund in your bank account after you confirm your details in the FORM provided in this email and early in this week the amount owed to you will be credited in your bank account.
We are sorry for the delay with this tax refund being issued.
Regards
Miss Rourke
Revenues Advisor Unity Partnership
T 0161 770 6622 | E council.tax@council.tax.gov.uk |

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Anyone with concerns can call the city council’s tax team on 01772906902 or email ctax@preston.gov.uk or visit the Action Fraud website.