A SCAM involving Council Tax is operating in Teignbridge, it emerged this week.

The district council is warning residents to be on their guard against swindlers claiming people are eligible for refunds.

Bogus emails and dubious direct phone calls are being used by the fraudsters to trick those in their sights.

Teignbridge is urging people not to disclose details or submit anything online when asked after a ‘small number’ of suspicious incidents were reported.

Council chiefs are urging people not to give out information if they are not 100 per cent that the message has come from the authority.

They say residents should be wary of emails containing phrases like ‘you only have three days to reply’ or ‘urgent action required.’

A spokesman stressed: ‘If people do open the email and they are in doubt they should not click on any links or downloads.’

Teignbridge Council occasionally asks for payment/bank details by phone when seeking payments for overdue tax bills, or when a refund is due – but it will always be happy for people to phone back via the switchboard or the automated payment line on 01626 215353.

Residents can also report any suspect emails to Teignbridge by forwarding them to: [email protected].