RESIDENTS are being warned not to fall for a scam after a caller claiming to work for a council requested bank details.

Braintree District Council says a resident in the district was contacted this morning (Thursday, January 3) from someone claiming to be working with the council.

They requested bank details so they could refund an over payment of council tax but the council says this is not how it operates.

A spokesman said: "This is a scam and no-one from Braintree District Council would be telephoning customers in this manner.

"We would send a letter to the customer with a refund claim form.

"We have also been alerted about another scam where people have been receiving calls from someone claiming to be from HMRC - again asking for bank details.

"Organisations should never ask you for your bank details over the phone so please be diligent and always ask them to send a letter."