Gravesham Council is warning residents not to give out bank details over the phone, after bogus callers claiming to be from local authorities have scammed people.

Cold callers have been ringing and telling the victims they have overpaid council tax - asking for bank details to pay a refund.

A council spokesman said: “No one from the council will ever call to request bank details under any circumstances.

"We advise anyone who receives one of these calls to report the matter to the police and under no circumstances divulge any bank account details.”

Kent County Council's trading standards also warned of rogue traders demanding payment on the phone.

This week alone (May 21), Trading Standards have recorded over £11,000 being demanded or paid to rogue traders in Gravesend, Swanley, Cranbrook and Maidstone.

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