An email scam offering a council tax refund in order to obtain payment details from residents is circulating in Penarth and across the Vale.

The Vale Council has received reports that some residents have been contacted by fraudsters using Gov.uk branding in emails.

The emails state that residents are entitled to a reduction in their council tax and offer to pay the reduction directly into their bank account.

Residents are urged not to reply to the emails, click on any links or disclose their bank account details or any other personal information if contacted by anyone offering such a service.

Pictured above is an example of the scam emails received by residents.

If you have received a suspicious email, please notify the council:

• [email protected]

Guidance is also available from the Citizens Advice Consumer Service: