Pembrokeshire County Council is warning residents to remain vigilant following reports of scam messages claiming people are entitled to a Council Tax refund.

The fraudulent messages, which may be sent by email, text message or through unofficial websites, claim that recipients have overpaid their Council Tax and can receive a refund by providing personal and financial information.

The messages often state that a refund is due because of changes to a Council Tax account, such as moving home, becoming eligible for a discount or exemption, or a reassessment of liability. Residents are then encouraged to click a link and submit personal details, including bank card information.

Pembrokeshire County Council is reminding residents that scammers frequently use convincing language and official-looking branding to gain trust and obtain personal information.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: "We are urging residents to be cautious if they receive an unexpected message claiming they are due a Council Tax refund.

“Criminals often use these types of scams to obtain personal and financial information. If you are unsure whether a communication is genuine, please contact the Council directly using the contact details published on our website."

Residents are advised to:

  • Be wary of unsolicited emails, text messages or phone calls about Council Tax refunds.
  • Never provide banking, card or personal details via links contained in unexpected messages.
  • Check the authenticity of any communication by contacting the Council directly.
  • Report suspected scam messages and delete them immediately.

The Council is encouraging anyone who believes they may have responded to a fraudulent message to contact their bank without delay and report the incident to Action Fraud.

For genuine Council Tax enquiries, residents should only use official Council contact details and services available through the Council's website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/council-tax