VALLEY householders are being targeted by a gang of con artists in a new phone scam.

The fraudsters, posing as staff from the 'British Council', are calling residents at their homes to say they have paid too much council tax.

And the conmen then ask for their bank account details so they can issue a rebate.

But one Bacup resident wasn't fooled by the scam and refused to pass on her details.

The woman, who does not wish to be named, said: “The man was very charming and said 3,000 people in England were entitled to a rebate for paying their rates on time for seven years.

“I felt something wasn’t right straight away. He was very persistent is asking for my bank details even after I told him I would not hand them over.

“It just shows when something sounds too good to be true it usually is. I just wanted to make sure nobody falls victim to his charm and persuasion.”

Residents in Bolton and Greater Manchester have also been targeted by the fraudsters.

Coun Darryl Smith, cabinet member for customer services, praised the resident and warned others to be on their guard.

He said “Rossendale is not running any refund schemes in relation to council tax payments and the council would never phone a customer to ask for bank details or to discuss an overpayment.

“This is clearly a scam and I would urge Rossendale residents to be aware and not to give any personal details to people cold calling them on the phone.

“Any residents who are in doubt can contact the council on 0845 900 0500.”

Trading Standards now plan to investigate the calls as aprt of the investigation.