TRADING Standards Officers are warning Barry residents of a scam involving fake tax rebates.

Reports have been received that scammers posing as officers from the council tax department are advising people that due to an error they are entitled to a council tax rebate.

The caller then requests bank account details to process the refund. Obviously, the refund is never received and the scammers are then in possession of important bank account details.

Christina Roberts, Vale council Principal Trading Standards and Licensing Officer, said: “Vale residents are urged to refrain from offering important data such as bank details to anyone unless they are completely sure that it is safe to do so.

“If you are in any doubt or you require information relating to your council tax account, you are advised to contact the Vale of Glamorgan council tax section on 01446 700111.

"If you have given your bank details to someone, contact your bank immediately to get your card cancelled.”

If you believe you’ve received a similar call you can report it to Citizens Advice by calling 08454 04 05 06.

This information is immediately sent to the council’s Trading Standards Service.