East Lothian residents warned of second scam in a month

East Lothian residents are being warned not to fall for promises of a council tax refund in the second scam warning issued in a month.

The latest con involves a message being sent to residents telling them they are due money back and providing a link to a form to fill in to claim it.

It comes just weeks after vulnerable members of communities were targeted by a fake community health worker who claimed to be offering help with medical alert equipment.

The council tax scam came to light this week after a resident contacted the council after receiving an email promising her nearly £400 of overpaid funds.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we are aware of a local resident who has been emailed by a third party about a council tax refund. This is a scam. Don’t click on any links or provide bank details to unknown texts, emails or phone callers.”

On June 28 this year the local authority had to issue a warning over community health scammers who were calling people at home offering free help with medical alarms and other equipment.

The calls were confirmed as not being made by representatives of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

The council has issued advice for residents including being wary of cold callers at the door and on the phone and not being afraid to say ‘no thanks’ and close the door, hang up.