WARNINGS are being issued to Vale of Glamorgan residents by the council, after they reported a rise in HMRC and council tax scam calls.

The Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) safeguarding team, covering Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, has received a number of referrals over the past week regarding scam HMRC calls.

The two reported numbers that are calling members of the public are 0161 354 9940 and 020 3129 8297. A message will say that the issue is time sensitive and the person needs to respond immediately to avoid legal consequences. The message also threatens court action against people.

Further, SRS have reported receiving notifications relating to scam council tax calls across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Councillor Dhanisha Patel, chairwoman of the joint committee for Shared Regulatory Services, said: "If anyone receives a call to talk about possible council tax reduction, you can contact the council or the Valuation Office Agency to check out their story.

"These scam calls are designed to prompt people to ring back or engage with the caller and provide bank details or make a payment.

"Remember: never give out your card security details over the phone. Hearing about different types of scams, allows us to spread the word and warn others of what is going on in their community."

All phone scam complaints or concerns can be made to Citizens Advice Consumer Service by calling 03454 040506.