The city council is warning residents of a tax scam around Winchester.

People are receiving telephone calls informing them that their council tax banding is incorrect and they could be entitled to a refund.

Residents are then told it will cost them £55 but the council will reimburse them. They are also asked for their bank details.

A Winchester City Council spokesman said the authority was first contacted in early December and "there have been no incidents since". But a message on We Are Winchester - a social media page for residents - warned that an elderly lady received a scam call on Friday.

It said: “The caller knew a surprising amount of information about her and was very convincing.”

The council spokesman said: “Our advice is if you are contacted do not give out your bank details over the phone. Notify Hampshire County Council, Trading Standards and the police.

“We continue to monitor.”