A PENSIONER is warning others to be on their guard after receiving a hoax phone call from a woman claiming to be from the council.

The 81-year-old was called just after 11am today and the person on the other line said the Rodbourne resident had paid too much council tax and she needed his bank details so he could be refunded.

“She said I have been paying too much and at the end of the year I would get a refund. I thought it was genuine because I have paid too much tax,” the pensioner said.

“I inadvertently told them what bank I was with and she asked again and I said I don’t repeat bank details and I twigged and she then hung the phone up.

“I have now called the bank and they have cancelled all my cards and they are getting me a new card.

“She spoke with an English accent and rang on a withheld number. There were voices in the background, so she sounded like she was in an office.

“I have rung all my friends to warn them too.”

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said they would never ask for those sorts of details.

Scam calls can be reported to ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040. They also offer advice on fraud and cyber crime.