Residents are being warned about scam phone calls from people claiming to work for the council.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council issued the warning a couple of months ago, and this current advice comes after the authority received several more reports from concern residents.

A man posing as a council officer and claiming to work in the Council Tax section has been calling residents residents and telling them their property is in the wrong tax band.

The scammer then tells the homeowner they are entitled to a refund and asks for confirmation of bank account details.

Cllr Martin Coffin, cabinet member for finance and innovation, said: “This is the latest in a range of scams aimed at tricking people to part with their bank details and their cash.

"Our officers never telephone residents to ask them to confirm their bank details over the phone and we are urging residents to be extremely wary of these unscrupulous individuals who may use a variety of tactics to try to get them to part with personal details or money.

"I’d also like to remind residents that they can have their council tax band checked free of charge by contacting the local Valuation Office by calling 0300 0501 501 or online at www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals/challenge-your-band.”