DORSET residents are being warned about bogus calls concerning their council tax.

Residents of Christchurch, East Dorset and North Dorset are being warned to be aware of a cold caller explaining that a £7,000 council tax refund is due to the customer, and then gives them a secret security number which they say must not be divulged to anyone.

The caller also asks for the customer’s initials, their date of birth, how long they have been with the bank and their sort code and account number.

Paul Attwater (corr), head of revenues and benefits services for the Stour Valley Partnership said councils would never cold call and request bank details over the phone.

He said that where accounts are in credit, the council tax office would issue a cheque payment and if paid by direct debit, a BACS credit would be arranged without the need to contact the customer direct.

The police have been informed.

Anyone concerned should call 01202 639150.