A warning has been issued to residents to be aware of Council Tax scams.

Richmond Borough Council said it may contact households by phone, email or text message to explain that a payment is due or overdue.

However, it said the officials would NEVER ask for bank details through these communications.

The Council said: "A message is a scam if it asks for your card or bank details. It is also a scam if it says you are entitled to a refund or band reduction, or if it offers to write-off Council Tax arrears for a fee.

"If you receive a text message from us, you will be required to enter your postcode as part of the authentication process; this is for security and GDPR reasons.

"If you have any doubt about a message you have received, contact us directly - do not give out your personal details."

* The contact link is - https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/council_tax/council_tax_contacts_page