RESIDENTS in Studley and Alcester are being warned about cold calls or texts about a Council Tax rebate from people who appear to work for the district council.

The text often contains phishing links, which direct the recipient to a website where they will be asked to provide personal data.

Cold callers claim to be from Stratford-on-Avon District Council and try to gain bank details by saying residents are due a Council Tax refund as their account is showing a credit.

A spokesman from the district council said the council will never telephone, email or message to ask for a payment to release a Council Tax overpayment.

They said: "If you do receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from the district council, do not divulge bank or credit card details – first obtain the caller’s name, then ring the district council back on its main switchboard number 01789 267575 and ask to be put through to the caller to confirm it is a genuine request."

Cllr Maurice Howse added: “Fraudsters are relentless and will work tirelessly to find new ways to convince people to part with their money.

"They will be particularly convincing and provide good reason for why the person should make an immediate payment. The district council would never request money from customers to help process any Council Tax refund.

“I would encourage people to be vigilant and never respond to these callers, who are simply trying to scam you. Never take up offers of a tax rebate on the spot from cold calls or give out bank details."