Authorities Warn Residents of Tax Scams Across Regions

Authorities in several communities are warning residents about fraudulent tax-related messages, including emails falsely promising council tax refunds or claiming accounts are credited, and calls from scammers posing as city employees to obtain personal and banking information. Officials say not to click links, reply, or share personal or financial details; residents should verify questionable communications directly with their council using official contact information. Iowa’s state auditor also warned local governments after a convincing fake invoice email led a city to send a payment that could cost taxpayers $655,000, underscoring the risk of email fraud targeting public funds. The auditor recommends confirming payment or bank-detail changes by calling vendors at previously verified numbers and reporting suspected financial crimes.