GovWire

Check what to look for first

Use the following checklist to decide if the contact youve received is a scam. You can use it for phone calls, emails and text messages.

It could be a scam if it:

• pressures you into making a decision
• has a short deadline, especially one you were not aware of
• is threatening
• is unexpected
• asks for personal information like bank details
• tells you to transfer money
• says you have to pay to apply for or get a relief
• says you have unclaimed credits
• offers a discount, refund, rebate or grant

If the VOA contacts you about your property, we will always:

• mention a specific property by the address
• give you a reference number
• verify your identity

The VOA will never:

• contact you without mentioning an address
• contact you without confirming your name or connection to the property
• ask you for money without a clear explanation
• tell you what you owe for business rates or Council Tax these bills are worked out by your local council

Use our contact form for any enquiries about your Council Tax band or business rates valuation.

For queries about your Council Tax or business rates bills, contact your local council.

If you are unsure about any material you have received, contact the VOA. You can also report suspicious phone calls, emails or texts to the VOA.

Using an agent

If you want an agent to manage your business rates, use our checklist to choose one. Dont let an agent choose you.

Remember that the VOA would never:

• recommend or endorse an agent
• ask an agent to act as part of, or on behalf of, the VOA

Scam emails

If you receive a suspicious email, you should report it to us immediately atagentstandards@voa.gov.uk.

• Delete the email from your mailbox, including your deleted items
• Do not disclose any personal information
• Do not open any attachments
• Do not click any links or try to view or download any attachments in the email
• Do not enter any data or reply to the email

If youre not expecting to receive an email to reset your password it may be a scam. Forward it toagentstandards@voa.gov.uk and then delete it.

Always check that the URL (the website address) youre about to visit is a genuine Valuation Office Agency or GOV.UK address.

If the email address or link doesnt contain .gov.uk within it it is not a VOA email or a VOA webpage and could be a scam.

Phone calls

The Valuation Office Agency will never:

• leave a voicemail threatening legal action
• threaten arrest
• contact you for immediate payment of any penalties or bills

If in doubt, hang up and call us back using the official VOA contact number.

Text messages

The VOA does send text messages to some of our customers. In the text message we might include a link to GOV.UK information.

The VOA will never ask for personal or financial information when we send text messages.

Do not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from the VOA that offers you a refund in exchange for personal or financial details.

Reporting suspicious activity

Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from the VOA toagentstandards@voa.gov.uk.

Report any suspicious calls toAction Fraud on0300 123 2040or use their online fraud reporting tool.