HOMEOWNERS have been warned to ignore a malicious text which could see scammers gain access to their bank account.

Council chiefs said fraudsters are targeting residents in Barrow over the phone asking for personal information to receive a tax refund.

The council has confirmed it would never approach residents in this way and anyone who does receive these calls and are unsure about the legitimacy should contact council directly.

A spokesman for Barrow Borough Council said: “We are aware of a potential scam regarding council tax refunds.

“Some council tax payers have received a text or phone call requesting their bank details as their council tax account is in credit and a refund is due to them.

“Please be aware that Barrow Council will never ask you for your bank details by text or by a phone call.

“If you receive a text or phone call of this nature please do not provide any personal or bank details.

“Our customer services telephone number is 01229 404242 if you would like to contact us should you receive such a text or phone call, or if you wanted to check if your account was due a refund.”

This comes after Copeland Borough Council warned residents about scammers knocking on doors and claiming to be debt collectors.

They have advised residents not to make any payments unless they are certain those making the collections are indeed from the council.

They also advised anyone to contact them if there is any doubt.

One Barrow resident said she had received a similar call to those reported in Copeland.

She said a man arrived claiming to be from the council but did not give any form of identification.

The man quickly left when she explained she was going to pay the council tax at the town hall.

A spokesman for Copeland Council said: “We are aware there may be scam artists operating in Copeland, purporting to be collecting debts on behalf of the council.

“If you are in any doubt as to whether such a person is legitimate, call and check with us, and do not make payments until you are sure it is genuine.

“You can contact us on 01946 598300 or at info@copeland.gov.uk.”