Business rates scams

Oxford City Council is warning Oxford businesses against business rates scams aimed at getting their personal bank details and conning them out of their money.

Scammers are contacting people by phone, text and email and posing as staff from the council, the Valuation Office Agency or the Tax Recovery Bureau in order to defraud them.

Scam: Paid too much and due a refund

Scammers will say you've paid too much business rates and are due a refund. The fraudsters offer to claim on your behalf for a fee.

Fact: The council will never ask for payment to make a business rates refund.

Scam: Incorrect valuation and due a refund

Scammers will say your business property is valued incorrectly and will offer a refund in return for a fee.

Fact: Business property reassessments are free.

Scam: Business rates arrears

Scammers will demand payment for supposed business rates arrears. 

Fact: The council does ask for information from businesses to administer their council tax accounts, including refunds or arranging arrears collection.

How to verify genuine contact

All Oxford City Council email addresses end with @oxford.gov.uk

Get in touch with our team directly if you'd like to verify any contact you've received.

More information

Business rates scams at GOV.UK