Berkshire council issues warning over tax refund scam

People in a Berkshire borough have been issued a warning after an elderly resident was telephoned by council tax fraudsters.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council said the man was told he was due a tax refund before being asked for his bank details.

He refused. A spokesman said: "[We] do not telephone or e-mail people for their bank details [for] refunds.

"If you are due a refund, you will be told in writing."

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

"If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the council, and you are unsure, please ask them for their name and extension and then call the council speak to them."