Brighton & Hove City Council is urging residents to be on their guard after reports of a council tax scam.
 
A bogus caller phoned a Brighton woman claiming to be from the council. He told the woman she was due a £1,000 council tax refund and he needed her bank account details to pay the money back.
 
The woman, who is in her eighties, was persuaded to give her bank details but later became suspicious and her daughter alerted the bank and the council. Police have also been informed.
 
The city council stresses its staff would never cold call anyone and ask for bank account information in this way. Anyone due a council tax refund would normally apply for it, having already received written notification.
 
A council spokesman said:
"There have been reports of similar incidents in other parts of the country and this appears to be a well organised scam.
 
"The woman and her daughter both spoke to the caller, plus someone who said he was a colleague, and they said they sounded very official and organised.
 
"Our message to residents is to be on their guard and never give out details of your bank account to someone who calls out of the blue in this way - however plausible their story sounds."
 
If in any doubt call Brighton & Hove's council tax enquiry line on 01273 291291.

For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk