SCAMMERS are taking advantage of Council Tax bills being sent out — by phoning people to con them into giving out bank details.

Trading Standards has received reports that residents are receiving calls from the 'Valuation Office' advising that they could be on the wrong Council Tax band.

The scammers ask for people's card details and encourage them to make a payment, so they can look into it.

Trading Standards warned: "The Valuation Office does not operate in this way. This is a scam and the scammers are taking advantage of our Council Tax bills being sent out at this time.

"If you receive one of these calls, hang up straight away. Never give out your bank details over the phone. No legitimate company would ever ask for them in this way."

For advice on scams, call Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

To report a scam, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.