MALDON District Council has warned residents to beware of a suspected council tax scam being carried out in the area.

The council has received reports that a text or email scam is in operation.

Scammers are posing as the council in a bid to trick residents into giving away their bank details.

A council spokesman said: “We do not process council tax refunds online and so we will not send you an email or text requesting your bank details.

“We also will never ask you to pay a fee to obtain a refund.

“If you are unsure if an email you have received from the council is legitimate, you can contact us on 01621 854477 to check.”

The spokesman added: “Never click on a link or share your bank details if you are unsure of the source.”

Scams can also be reported online.