Police in Scotland are warning of a new tax rebate scam conning victims.
Scots are being urged to stay vigilant after fraudsters have sent bogus council tax emails to people across the country.
The scam involves an email which states the recipient is due a tax rebate and asks them to click on the link to claim the reduction.
But the link is a scam from a criminal designed to steal personal information and bank details to con victims out of money.
Western Isles Police have warned people not to open the emails.
A spokesperson for the force said: “If you receive emails of this nature, do not click on links contained in them, these are designed to harvest your personal information and banking details to be used for fraudulent purposes.
"Any communication with council tax payers from the Council’s Revenues Section about something like a refund would be by letter in most cases."
We told how Police Scotland warned of fraudsters ripping off victims during the coronavirus outbreak.
There have been a marked increase in phishing emails, scams, along with cybercrime and fraud as a result of the outbreak.
Western Isle Police urge any householders with suspicions or doubt about the the authenticity of any email to call the Council's Customer Services on 01851 600 502 or email counciltax@cne-siar.gov.uk.
A spokesperson added: "General scam calls can be reported to CNES Trading Standards on 01851 822694 or email ts@cne-siar.gov.uk”.
