The bank said on its website: “Fraudsters will try to take advantage of the cost of living crisis and might get in contact about a range of issues affecting us all.
“They might pretend to represent local councils offering financial support, energy companies, or retailers offering too-good-to-be-true discounts, or direct you to fake loan websites or offers.
“The Government has recently announced a range of measures to help families with the rising cost of living.
“If someone calls you pretending to be from the council and asks for your bank details so they can give you a refund, hang up.
“If they text or email you, don’t click on any links. Councils will never call or email asking for your bank details.”