RESIDENTS are being urged to be vigilant over reports of a phone call to a homeowner purporting to be from the council tax team.

The caller offered a rebate on the resident’s council tax bill in Monmouthshire, and attempted to obtain bank card details.

Subsequent investigations found that the call was an attempt to obtain cash by fraudulent means.

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The council's trading standards team has now issued a call for people to be aware of the situation.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, Cllr Sara Jones said: “As we move into the months where Monmouthshire residents receive their new council tax bills we think it’s possible that scammers will use this opportunity to target people.

“Residents need to be very wary of anyone requesting bank card details over the telephone.”

Residents wishing to report such calls and get practical advice should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Services helpline on 03454 040506.