Scam involving £150 council tax rebate doing the rounds in Cornwall
Calls and texts are being received from people claiming to be from local councils
Officials in Cornwall are warning about new scam calls and texts to process the £150 council tax rebate.
The money, announced in the budget, is being given to households living in band A-D homes to help with the soaring cost of living.
However Cornwall Council says residents have reported calls from scammers claiming to be from local authorities.
The council says its teams would never cold-call to ask for people's bank details.
It is urging residents not to give out any information over the phone.
Posting on Twitter, Cornwall Council said: "There are new scam calls and texts claiming to be from councils to process the £150 council tax rebates.
"Our teams won't cold-call you to ask for your bank details for the rebate. If you get a cold-call don't give them any information".
You can find out more information about the council tax rebate on the government's website or Cornwall Council's website.
How can I spot a scam?
Cornwall Council's 'Little Book of Big Scams' has the following '10 Golden Rules' to avoid being scammed, including:
1) Never send money to anyone you do not know or trust (in the UK or abroad) or use methods of payment that you are not comfortable with.
2) Never give banking or personal details to anyone you do not know or trust. This information is valuable; make sure you protect it.
3) If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.co.uk - contact the police if the suspect is known or still in the area.
More advice about scams can be found on Cornwall Council's website.