Warning made over bogus tax calls

Bogus callers are telephoning council taxpayers in part of Surrey and asking for their birth dates and bank details.

Epsom and Ewell council has warned people in the borough to be on their guard against the fraudulent activity.

People have been urged not to give out any details over the telephone and to contact police if they receive a call.

Residents who received calls were told they were eligible for a council tax rebate but had to give their bank details for payment to be made.

Epsom council said the callers told residents they would receive rebates backdated to 1 April 1993, because their council tax banding had been changed.

A statement from the local authority said: "The council does not notify residents of council tax changes by telephone.

"If there are any changes to your bill, you will receive adjustment information in writing through the post."