Scam artists have started targeting Bexley trying to get you to pay them for an overweight bin.

Bexley Council has asked residents to keep their guard up against any calls claiming to come from the council asking for the payment.

The local waste and recycling team were contacted by a resident saying they had received the false call.

The scammer had asked them to pay £25 for their overweight bin but the smart-thinking bin owner contacted the binmen themselves before divulging payment details.

A spokesperson from the council said: “This is not a council initiative. Council officers would not call residents and ask for payment or any other personal information over the phone and when visiting in person they would always provide valid identification.”

If you are in any doubt about someone who calls by phone or in person and claims to be from the council, you can call the council on 020 8303 7777 to check their ID.