Council Tax and Business Rates Scams

The information below will help you identify and avoid becoming a victim of Council Tax and business rates scams.

How do I identify a fraudulent agent?

There are a number of ways that fraudulent agents may try to get you to part with your money, such as:

• asking for a payment upfront

• insisting that you are definitely in the wrong band and are owed back payments on your Council Tax bill when, in fact, your band is correct

• saying they are from your local council or the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)

• asking for your bank details so they can give a refund

• claiming that the VOA charges you to challenge your Council Tax band

• claiming that you must be represented by an agent to challenge your band

• stating that they are on an approved list of agents recognised by the VOA - there is no such list

• telling you they have submitted an appeal to the VOA on your behalf when they haven't.

How do I avoid becoming a victim of these scams?

• remember that you can have your Council Tax band checked free of charge by contacting the VOA directly (see below for details)

• remember that you can find and check your business rates valuation free of charge online

• contact your local council or the VOA (see below) if you receive a call offering to reduce your band or rateable value that you think is fraudulent.

The VOA has also provided its own guidance on Council Tax and business rate scams.

How do I contact the VOA?