Bogus callers have been calling Ashford residents claiming to be from the council's tax team.

The imposters have sent text messages to a number of residents around the borough and have even targeted council officers.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has issued a warning about the scams.

A spokesman said genuine text messages about council tax will be sent to residents over the next few days and urged people to be aware of what genuine ones will look like.

A council spokesman said: "We do occasionally send out text reminders to residents but specifically only to those who are in arrears on their council tax accounts.

"Sending text messages is a far cheaper way for the council to communicate than posting out letters."

Residents should be careful of text messages that contain a link to a site for payment.

Genuine ABC text messages will be sent from ABC CTax, state how much is overdue on the account and provide the last three digits of the account number.

Cllr Neil Shorter added: "We need to look at cost-effective ways to reach people and do so using an appropriate channel to them, as part of a mix of written letters and other, digital and electronic means.

"The key points are that you will only receive a text message if you are in arrears and that you remain in control of the transaction, as you go onto our website as normal and not via a link."