A warning has been issued of a “rates reduction” scam targeting north businesses.
Highland Council’s finance service raised concerns when they began to receive calls from businesses about receiving unsolicited marketing letters.
Some local businesses had received letters suggesting that they could receive a large reduction in non-domestic rates and in some instances that a back dated refund of this charge could be available by submitting an appeal.
Businesses were asked for an upfront fee to deal with the issue – but the council offer the service for free.
The council’s Trading Standards team have warned that in all cases they have checked none of the businesses were due a refund.
Trading standards team leader David MacKenzie said: “Businesses would not have to pay a fee in order to ask for their rates to be reviewed.
“Such a request should be lodged with their local council. We are concerned that local businesses may be duped into paying for something that they can obtain free of charge from their local council.”
Allan Gunn, head of revenues and business support of the council’s finance service added: “Local Highland businesses can receive free advice and information on how their non-domestic rates are calculated for their business properties and their rates can be reviewed if circumstances should change. We would urge local Highland businesses to contact us directly for free and confidential advice if they have any queries regarding their current rates.”
For further information, concerned businesses can make contact with the team by email at nondomesticrates@highland.gov.uk or by calling 01463 702984.
