Fake Council Tax Refund Text Scam Examples
Texts impersonating your local council claim you are owed a council tax refund and direct you to a phishing page to enter bank details for the supposed repayment.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
[Council Name]: You have an outstanding council tax refund of [amount]. Claim at: [fake link] within 72 hours or it will be returned.
COUNCIL TAX: Our records show you are in credit by [amount]. To receive your refund, verify your bank details: [fake link]
Important: [Council Name] council tax overpayment of [amount] is pending. Please confirm your account details to receive your refund: [fake link]
What the scammer wants
To collect your bank sort code, account number, and personal details on a phishing page disguised as a council payment portal.
Red flags in the message
- Unsolicited refund notification from a council via text
- Link to a domain that is not the council's official website
- Short deadline threatening loss of the refund
- Request to enter bank details online to receive the repayment
- Generic or mismatched council name for your area
A safe response
Do not click the link. Log in to your council's official website or call them on the number listed on gov.uk to check whether any refund is owed.
What not to send
- Bank sort code and account number
- Personal identification details
- Any fee or 'processing payment'
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank immediately to monitor for fraudulent transfers
- Report the text to 7726 and to Action Fraud
- Check your council account directly for any genuine overpayment
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times