Pensioner targeted by fake council officials claiming she was due to receive a tax refund

Ivy Siegfried, 81, received an email saying she could claim back over-paid council tax.

She was immediately suspicious and called Inverclyde Council, who confirmed the correspondence wasn't from them.

Now Ivy wants to warn other householders to be on their guard.

Mrs Siegfried, of Dunlop Street, said: "I thought straight away 'this isn't right and I have to tell the council'.

"They told me it wasn't from them and have referred me to Trading Standards.

"It's a new scam to me."

She fears that vulnerable or elderly people could be taken in especially if they think they are going to get some money back.

Mrs Siegfried said: "It's a ploy to get your bank details.

"I was suspicious because I've had problems with my council tax before and wasn't getting the single person 's rebate, even though my grandson who had been staying with me had been in America for three years.

"I just want people to know about it.

"If somebody thinks they are going to get some money they're going to go for it, especially elderly people."

Trading Standards say they are becoming concerned about an increase in scams in the area.

Councillor Michael McCormick, convener of the environment and regeneration committee, confirmed that they are aware of the council tax scam.

He said: “Two local residents have also received calls claiming to be from Inverclyde Council’s council tax team.

"The caller tried to get the residents to reveal their bank account details.

"In one case the caller was told it was so that a refund could be paid into the account and in the other case it was alleged the person had an outstanding bill.

“The council never contacts local residents by phone or email to ask for payment and will never ask for your bank details by phone or email.”