We've had several reports through from residents who have received a fake letter demanding Council Tax. The giveaways which prove these letters are fake are:
- The addressee is “The Occupier”. We would never send this type of letter (a 14 Day Notice) to “The Occupier” - it would always be to a named individual.
- There is no account reference quoted – instead is the wording has been changed to: “Re: Liability Order”.
- The enquiries number (01279) 353960 on the front of the letter is incorrect, as is the number at the bottom of the letter and on the back. The number on all our official letters is 01279 446688, with a payment line number of 01279 446600.
When called, an automated voice answers: “Thank you for contacting Harlow Council’s Revenues and Benefits service…” This has been lifted in full from our official automated telephone line message. The fraudulent number has the same option to “make a payment, please press 2”, which will then, no doubt, enable the scammer to take card details.
If any other residents have received a letter like this and are concerned, please report it immediately to ActionFraud, even if you haven't paid anything to the scam phone line, by calling 0300 123 2040 or by going to www.actionfraud.police.uk.