Durham County Council issues 'do not click' warning over new tax refund scam

People are being sent emails asking them to click on a link and provide their bank details so they can receive a tax refund

A North East council has issued a warning to householders over a new council tax phishing scam . Fraudsters are sending out emails claiming the recipients are due a council tax refund.

People are then asked to click on a link and provide their bank details so they can receive the money. Durham County Council has shared the warning on its social media channels.

The authority is urging people not to click on any links or give their bank details. They have also asked residents to check the email address of the sender. The latest phishing scams are from no- @plantabird.com

The council's message said: "We have been made aware of a new council tax scam. Individuals are receiving emails from no- @plantabird.com claiming that they are due a council tax refund.

"The email prompts recipients to click a link or button and then provide their bank details in order to receive the alleged ‘refund’. DO NOT click the link or enter bank details."

Householders are advised to find out more how to spot a scam and report any suspicious emails to them. Report Fraud also had a raft of information regarding various scams in the UK.

Regarding phishing, it explains: "Cyber criminals use fake messages as bait to lure you into clicking on the links within their scam email or text message, or to give away sensitive information (such as bank details).The email might have branding to make it look like it comes from a business or organisation you already have a connection with – your bank, your doctor, a tradesperson or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Or it might appear to come from a business you’d be interested in buying from – a holiday company or fashion brand.

"With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), fake emails are getting more convincing all the time. But there can be some signs that an email isn’t genuine."

Report Fraud lists the following things to help you spot a scam email:

an email that doesn’t use your name – perhaps they don’t really know who you are

spelling and grammar mistakes (though phishing emails are getting more sophisticated than they used to be)

imagery or design that looks familiar but doesn’t feel quite right

an unusual email address – it might look a bit similar but does it really match the official company’s email address?

encouragement to click on an unknown link – if you’re not sure, visit the organisation’s website directly rather than clicking through

a request for you to personal data

What to do if you suspect fraud

The experts say: "If you’ve seen something that doesn’t feel right, STOP!" Break the - don’t , click on any links, call any phone numbers or make any payments.

Secondly, check if it’s genuine. the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, e.g. from your utility bills, via a engine, on the back of your card or by calling 159 for banks. Before you delete the email, forward it to [email protected].