We’ve had a number of reports of scammers cold calling and emailing residents – claiming to offer a Council Tax refund.

The companies are asking residents to give their bank account details, credit/debit card number and the three number security code on the back of the card.

This is a scam which originated in Oldham, England.

• If you receive an email offering a Council Tax refund and asking you to provide you bank account details by clicking on a link, ignore it and delete the email.

• If you are cold called and asked to provide your bank details to receive a Council Tax refund hang up and ignore the request.

If you receive anything similar by post, email, or by telephone and you’re not sure what to do, contact the East Ayrshire Council Tax office on 01563 554400 for guidance.

We have information on bogus callers and rogue traders here.