Scammers are targeting North Ayrshire families with fake texts saying they are entitled to a council tax refund.
Trading standards bosses in the region say there's been an increase in residents receiving malicious messages which attempt to lure victims to a scam website.
The text reads: "You have a pending tax refund from your council. To proceed with your application please complete your form via..." and then provides a clickable internet link
Trading Standards advice is to 'delete, delete, delete' any texts that offer any kind refund.
A Facebook post by North Ayrshire Trading Standards said: " North Ayrshire Council will never text you if you are due a council tax refund. Delete, delete, delete!"
