Conmen have been carrying out a sophisticated council tax scam across Sutton, by trying to dupe people into thinking they are owed money by the council.

The fraudsters often pretend to be from a fake company called Claimant UK, before telling people they are owed a tax rebate.

They go on to ask people for their bank details or to send them via email.

The conmen tell people they are owed a rebate because of an overpayment or banding reduction.

In some cases they ask people to provide a copy of their council tax bill along with identification.

Sutton Council is warning the public about the scam, and has advised those contacted to take the person’s name, and then call their switchboard to confirm they work there.

The council can be contacted on 020 8770 5000.

People affected should also contact the police at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

Have you fallen victim to a scam? Call the news desk on 020 8722 6358 or email tom.gillespie@london.newsquest.co.uk