Halton Borough Council's Trading Standards has issued a warning over a convincing email scam claiming to be from TV Licensing.
The bogus links in the email take the recipient to hijacked websites in order to steal personal data, including name, address and bank account details.
Officers would urge all residents to be wary when receiving emails or text messages that ultimately request you to give away any of your personal details.
executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: "No matter how authentic they look, Always contact the organisation via a contact number or email address that you have used before, or that you know is legitimate, such as taken from a bill or statement.
"Remember 'if in doubt check it out.' "
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a fraud contact specialist officers Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here