RESIDENTS have been warned that fraudsters are targetting homes claiming that they owe council tax in West Cumbria.

Copeland Borough council have issued a warning after one resident was approached at their home address by a person fraudulently claiming they owed a Council Tax payment.

A spokesman from the council said: "We would like to remind residents that Council officers would never approach residents at their address requesting council tax payments.

"All officer requests for council tax payments are carried out by letter, email, phone or in person at one of our offices.

"We will also never request any balances to be paid to a personal bank account under an individual’s name."

If you have any doubts about the credibility of enforcement agents acting on the council's behalf please call the Council Tax team on 01946 598300.

You can also report any suspicious activity to Cumbria Police on 101.