DO not give your bank details to a stranger over the phone unless you are certain the request is genuine. That s the advice from North Herts District Council after at least one resident was called by a conman claiming to work for NHDC, offering a refund o

DO not give your bank details to a stranger over the phone unless you are certain the request is genuine.

That's the advice from North Herts District Council after at least one resident was called by a conman claiming to work for NHDC, offering a refund on their council tax and asking for bank details.

Such calls are not genuine, says the council.

Cllr Terry Hone, NHDC deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, said today (Thursday): "We do not make unsolicited calls of this type. If you have requested a council tax refund, we may call you to ask for bank details or confirm information but we would only do this if we have sent prior notification of the refund or in response to contact from a customer.

"If you do receive a call regarding council tax and you are unsure if it is genuine, please do not give any bank details over the phone. All council staff will willingly give their full name. Ask the caller for their name and call NHDC back on 01462 474000.

"We understand that this confidence trick is taking place nationally and we sincerely hope that no one in North Herts falls victim to the nasty scam.