RESIDENTS of Haslingden and Helmshore have been warned by police to be vigilant against a telephone scam ‘targeting the elderly and vulnerable’.

Police have received reports from people who have been told they may be eligible for a council tax rebate and asking for a date and time for a personal home visit.

A spokesman for Haslingden Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Rossendale Borough Council have not made these calls.

“The advice at this time is to refuse all requests for a home visit until the identity of the caller can be verified.

“It is requested that any similar calls received should be reported to the police on the non-emergency number, 101.”