BOGUS callers are trying to dupe residents to make claims to reduce their council tax, warns Halton Council.

People living across Widnes and Runcorn have reported receiving telephone calls from people asking about their council tax banding.

One elderly woman became suspicious and alerted the council.

A man calling himself Peter had asked her if anyone had visited her to check her banding is correct.

Halton Council is making it clear that it does not contact residents to offer this service or work with any companies who make such requests.

Residents wishing to check their banding can do this for themselves for free and subsequently mount an appeal if they wish.

Halton Cllr Dave Cargill, board member for trading standards, said: "Anyone who thinks that the band on their home is wrong can have it checked for free.”

Residents can visit moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/council-tax-bands-change to check their council tax bands.

Anyone caught out by a scam can call Halton Council’s trading standards specialist officers on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775.

They are already working with people who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.