CALLS have been made for people to be on the look out after reports of council tax ‘scams’ in Hyndburn.

Council officers have warned residents to be on their guard against band reduction scams which may be operating in the area.

The reminder comes after a resident contacted Hyndburn Council to report they had been cold-called as they were wary of a call they had received claiming to be from the council.

The council has warned that cold callers offering to reduce council tax bills can be persuasive

It has recommended that residents be on the lookout for people claiming to reduce council tax bands for a fee or saying that they are on a list of registered agents approved to challenge council tax banding.

This year authority agreed its first council tax rise in eight years, which equates to just over two per cent.

Pauline Duckworth, head of benefits, revenues and customer contact said: “Challenging a council tax band is straight forward and anyone wishing to do so should check the Valuation Office Agency guidelines online, you don’t need to pay anyone to do this for you.

“We urge residents to be on their guard."

For more information visit www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals/challenge-your-band.