CON artists are targeting York residents by claiming there are problems with their council tax.

City of York Council has issued a warning about the scam, which involves people being cold-called and told they are entitled to a refund because they have overpaid, or that they have not paid enough.

Residents who have received the calls – many in Acomb, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe – say they have been given an appointment and told the person who would visit them would have council identification.

Coun Linsay Cunningham-Cross, cabinet member for crime, said residents should not phone numbers given to them by the cold-callers and instead phone the council for confirmation on 01904 551550.