The 'sophisticated' council tax scam in Sunderland making worrying threats to victims

A warning has been issued following reports of a ‘sophisticated’ telephone scam in Sunderland with one woman being told her bank account would be frozen in lead up to Christmas if she didn’t transfer £2,000.
Poppy Kennedy
By Poppy Kennedy
Published 15th Nov 2020, 11:54 BST
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Sunderland City Council says it has been made aware of the scam which falsely claims victims have received a council tax credit of approximately £80 before asking for bank details to provide refunds.

A council spokesman said: “This scam seems quite sophisticated and involves follow up calls – which is unusual.

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"Someone told us in the second phone call that it was the bank calling and that if she didn’t transfer £2k immediately to another account the bank would freeze her account for 28 days in the lead up to Christmas.

A telephone scam warning has been issued.A telephone scam warning has been issued.
A telephone scam warning has been issued.
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"Please contact your bank yourself if you are unsure about transactions.

“All correspondence relating to your council tax bill will be sent from Sunderland City Council, rather than cold calls. These calls are not being made by the council.”

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