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Planned System Maintenance - Limited Service

Sunderland City Council will be carrying out planned system maintenance from 12 noon on Friday 5th June until 7am on Tuesday 9th June. During this period, we will only be able to respond to urgent enquiries. If your enquiry is not urgent, please contact us before or after these times when full services will be available. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

Council Tax scams

Scams come in many forms, often over the phone, via email or in the post and they are always changing.  Scammers may contact you about your Council Tax, if you have concerns, do not reply or give them any information.  Listed on this page are some common types of Council Tax scams.

Fake refund offers

  • Scammers may contact you claiming you're owed a refund
  • They ask for your bank details to process it
  • All correspondence relating to your Council Tax bill will be sent from Sunderland City Council, not the government
  • When a credit for Council Tax is identified, we process a refund automatically without you needing to get in touch with us
  • We'll then send a revised bill to tell you the amount we have refunded
  • The Council will not visit your property to discuss a refund

Council Tax band reassessment scams

  • Companies can offer to lower your tax band for a fee
  • They may send official-looking letters or call you

You can appeal your band for free via the Valuation Office Agency.  GOV.UK has further information about this scam.

Threats of legal action

  • You may be told you owe tax and must pay immediately
  • Scammers use threats of bailiffs or court action

Phishing emails and texts

  • Messages may contain links to fake websites
  • Look out for poor grammar and suspicious URLs
  • Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments

Bogus third-party services

  • Some companies offer to secure funds or discounts for a fee
  • These services are unnecessary and often scams
  • Apply directly with your council for free

Stay safe with these tips to protect yourself

  • Do not give your bank details to anyone
  • Do not let anyone into your home without seeing appropriate identification
  • Do not feel under pressure from a cold caller to pay an immediate upfront fee. Take time to think about it
  • Do not accept cold callers' claims about your band without seeing evidence or proof of what they are claiming
  • Do not deal with anyone that is reluctant to give you their company address or contact details
  • Report scams and suspected scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
  • Forward scam texts to 7726 (a free spam-reporting service)
  • Learn how to spot the signs and protect yourself from scams on the Financial Conduct Authority website

More information

You can find more information about staying safe online on our Online safety page and information about the most up to date scams and fraud on the Action Fraud website.