A WARNING has been issued after a Wombwell pensioner was targeted by fraudsters claiming she was owed thousands in overpaid council tax.

The 77-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, received a call from a woman informing her she had been in the ‘wrong council tax band’ for 20 years.

“She sounded very credible, very professional,” said the woman.

“She said they’d got this list from the government, and she even said I’d need to be sitting down because the good news may come as a shock.

“She said the process was going to take four to six weeks, to get the money back, but then she said they would need money to take up the case on my behalf.”

She arranged for the company to call back at a more convenient time, but in the meantime she contacted her bank who did tell her it was a scam. "I'm really glad I checked, but I'm worried about how many other people they are ringing, and others may be fooled. She did sound credible, and she had all my right information."

Barnsley Council spokesman Coun Roy Miller warned people to be vigilant.

"There are a number of fraudulent council tax and business rates agents operating around the country. Someone may telephone you or appear at your door claiming to be able to reduce your council tax or business rates bill.

"Remember, If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is and you should challenge it."