Lewisham Council is advising residents to be on their guard after reports of a scam targeting residents across the capital.

It is believed the scammers contact people to tell them they can receive a financial reward as a thank you for paying their Council Tax by direct debit.

The calls and emails claim to be from the ‘Council Tax Head Office in London’, and offer refunds of hundreds of pounds if the recipient gives out personal details, including their bank account numbers. There is no Council Tax Head Office in London.

As part of the scam, one of three phone numbers have been given to people who want more information about their supposed refunds - 020 8123 0965, 020 3286 1358 and 020 8123 2739. The numbers are connected to a postal address in Regent Street in London and are in no way connected to Council Tax collection service in Lewisham.

It is also possible that the phone numbers attract expensive premium rates so residents are advised not to call them.

Anyone who is unsure about the validity of a call or email about Council Tax, or any other Council service, should not divulge any personal information but get in touch with Lewisham Council.

Anyone with concerns or questions about their Council Tax, or who thinks they may have been targeted by this scam and wants to check it out, should call Lewisham Council on 020 8690 9666 or email counciltax@lewisham.gov.uk

To report a scam call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or go to http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk for more information.