A WARNING has been issued after a homeowner in Braintree was the target of a council tax scam.

Braintree Council is warning residents across the district to be alert after a resident was contacted by scammers claiming to work for the authority.

A spokesman said: "They requested bank details so they could refund an over payment of council tax. This is a scam.

"Please share this message with your friends & family."

The warning was issued on the same day Essex Police advised residents to be aware of another potential scam which threatened people with arrest of they did not pay 'unpaid' council tax.

Scammers were claiming to be from both HM Revenue and Customs, and the police.

A force spokesman added: "HMRC will only ever call you asking for payment on a debt that you are already aware of, either having received a letter about it, or after you’ve told us you owe some tax, for example through a self-assessment return.

"If you're in any doubt, put the phone down and make sure the line is clear. Then call the HMRC back using one of the numbers or online services."

Anyone wishing to report suspicious calls and emails claiming to be from HMRC should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit at www.actionfraud.police.uk.