boguscallerLichfield residents are being warned to be on their guard after bogus callers targeted a house in the area.

The resident was told by the caller that they had overpaid their council tax and were now offering a refund over the phone. The caller then asked for their personal financial details, so they could pay back the supposed refund.

Cllr Michael Wilcox, Lichfield District Council Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said:

“This is a worrying case, and we reported it to the police immediately. I would like to stress that we never contact residents by phone to offer council tax refunds. So, if you receive this type of call, do not provide your financial details, and report the call to the police straightaway.

“While this type of case is rare, we would urge all our residents to be wary of providing personal financial details over the phone to anyone. Valid callers will be happy for you to return their call through a switchboard number, so that you can check they are who they say they are.

“If you are worried you may have provided your details to a false caller, please contact the police and your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.