Residents in the Braintree district have been asked to be vigilant following reports of a new council tax scam.

Braintree Council has issued a warning about the scam via a post of Facebook.

It states: "We have been made aware of customers receiving calls advising them that their Council Tax band has been reduced which means they are in credit and then asking the customers for their card/bank details.

"One of the customers stated the company was called Covent Garden Properties.

"This is a SCAM and all banding reductions come through on an official listing to Braintree District Council and we do not use any third party for this process.

"Please share this message with your friends and family - thank you!"

Anyone with concerns should contact the council on 01376 552525.