PEOPLE in the Ribble Valley have been warned to be on their guard against an e-mail scam promising council tax refunds in exchange for personal details.

The borough council has received concerns from residents who have been e-mailed by ‘Online Council Tax UK’ and a ‘Miss Rourke’ of ‘Unity Partnership’ informing them they are due a council tax refund, but need to complete an online form so the money can be credited to their bank account.

The e-mails also include an advertising banner from a Government agency to make them look credible.

Mark Edmondson, the council’s head of revenues and benefits, said: “At first glance the scam e-mails appear genuine, but they are not genuine and by clicking on the word, FORM, at the bottom of the e-mail residents will be forwarded to a web page that will put them at risk.

“Residents should never give their personal details to anyone they are not sure of and are advised to delete the e-mail immediately, if they receive it.

“We would like to remind residents that the council would never ask for bank details by e-mail.”