Braintree Council is warning of a telephone scam targeting residents across the district.

Residents of Braintree and Witham have been contacted by telephone today by a man claiming to be working with the council.

The caller claimed the residents had overpaid their council tax and asked for a fee of £150 in order to arrange a refund of the overpayment from the council. 

He also said that the payment must be made today in order to receive the refund.

Braintree Council has confirmed this is a scam and warned residents not to pay the fee. 

A spokesman said: “No-one from Braintree Council would be telephoning customers in this manner or asking for a fee to get the over-payment back.”

If in doubt, contact the council on 01376 552525.