BOLTON Council has fired a warning to residents after reports have been made of an email scam that is circulating to people

Fraudsters are sending emails to people pretending to be from the Government and offering a discount on their council tax.

The sender asks the recipient to log onto a website to apply for the reduction by typing in personal details.

But the local authority says it would not ask people to do this.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "Be aware of a scam email that pretends to be from the Government offering a council tax discount.

"The email asks you to log in to a website to apply for the reduction by giving personal details.

"Any official communication from the council will not ask you to do this."

Scams have rocketed nationally during the coronavirus pandemic.

With overall crime falling, some criminals have turned to fraud to con people out of their hard-earned cash at a time of crisis. Vulnerable groups have often been targeted.

Police unit Action Fraud offers advice on how people can avoid being caught out by scammers.

For more information on tactics that are being used by crooks visit actionfraud.org.uk.

To report an incident of fraud contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.