People across Allerdale are being warned about fake text messages which are circulating suggesting they are due a council tax refund.

Allerdale council has issued a statement to highlight that these texts are false and appear to be a phishing scan.

An example message, which has been sent to the council, reads: "You are due to receive a refund from your council. Visit our secure website to begin the process."

A spokesman said the texts have not been sent on behalf of the council and residents are advised not to click on the link and to delete the message.

Any customers due a council tax refund are informed by post by the council.

If the council has the customer’s bank details, it pays the refund directly. If not, the customer is asked to contact the council direct to arrange a refund.

The spokesman confirmed that the council’s IT systems have not been compromised in any way.