Allerdale Borough Council wishes to point out that these texts are false and appear to be a phishing scam.

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."

These 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.

If customers are due a refund the council informs them by post. If the council has the customer’s bank details it pays the refund direct. If not, the customer is asked to contact the council direct to arrange a refund.  

These texts have not come from the council, and the council’s IT systems have not been compromised in any way.