HALTON Borough Council Trading Standards officers are warning of a council tax reduction scam email scam currently circulating.

The scam email claims to be from the UK Government and reads: "You have a new message from GOV.UK about your Council Tax Working out your Council Tax

You'll need to know three things: the valuation band for your home in England and Wales or in Scotland. How much your local council charges for that band and

whether you can get a discount or exemption from the full bill."

The email further says you are getting a council tax reduction (this used to be called council tax benefit) considering as you are on a low income or receiving benefits and the amount you will receive will be £385.50 transferred directly on your debit/credit card.

Halton Borough Council's Executive Board Member for Trading Standards Councillor Dave Cargill said: "Do not click on any links in the scam email. Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.

"If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.

"Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email. If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank."

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of the specialist officers Linda or Sue on: 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775 or the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on: 0808 223 1133.