SCAM telephone callers have been ringing residents across a borough, a council has warned.

Hyndburn Council has said it is aware people claiming to be a bailiff firm acting on behalf of the council have been ringing residents in the area.

The caller is demanding that immediate payment is made for non-declaration of running a business from home, according to the council.

When the scammers have been challenged by the resident, who hasn't received any correspondence from the council or bailiff prior to the call, the scammers tell them they will be charged hundreds of pounds extra added to their '"outstanding debt'.

Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson said it was 'disturbing' that scammers were trying to trick residents into giving them money.

He added: "Some of these people make 20 to 30 calls a day and if they get lucky someone hands over credit card details and they earn thousands of pounds.

A council spokesman said: "Residents who receive such a phone call unexpectedly and have never had prior contact about debts from the council or Bailiff should consider contacting the council first to verify before making any such payments.

"The information you provide may assist the council or other authorities in putting a stop to this."