The council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund. The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.
These emails are not from Highland Council, and residents are being urged not to click on any links or provide any personal or financial information. Mark McGinty, Trading Standards Team Leader, stated that scammers often create a sense of urgency by claiming that people are due a refund, aiming to persuade recipients to disclose personal information or banking details for fraudulent purposes.
Residents are reminded that Highland Council will not request sensitive personal or banking information via email. If in doubt about the authenticity of any communication regarding Council Tax, individuals should contact the Council directly using official contact details before clicking any links, opening attachments, or providing information.
The Council is also encouraging people to share this advice with friends, relatives, and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to scam activity. The Highland Council's Operations Team, which handles Council Tax matters, can be contacted by email at Operations.Team@highland.gov.uk or by telephone on 0800 393 811. Highland Council Trading Standards also partners with Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which offers free and confidential consumer advice via 0808 164 6000 or the Consumer Advice Scotland website.
