by Jo Sword

Kent’s residents are falling pray to a new phone scam according to the county's trading standards department.

The team says these scammers tell people they have either paid too much council tax and are entitled to a rebate, or they have not paid enough and need to pay more to avoid being fined.

The caller then asks for the victim's bank details over the phone.

Kent Trading Standards are advising people not to give out any personal information.

In the past two weeks alone six people have reported calls like this to Trading Standards but the organisation believes far more people may have been targeted and not reported it.

Ian Treacher, the Kent County Council Assistant Head of Kent Trading Standards, said: “We are pleased that those who contacted us did not give away any personal details but we know there may be those who will and then realise too late that it is a scam. It is important that people know Kent County Council would not contact people about council tax payments and to report any suspicious calls.”

If anyone has received a call like this they are being urged to report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 who work alongside Trading Standards officers.