Ackworth Parish Council member Ron Barnsley was asked to give his bank details over the telephone to access a refund by a caller who said he worked for the Inland Revenue.

Mr Barnsley refused to give the details and contacted the organisation – which confirmed it does not make such calls and does not take bank details.

He said: “The caller asked for my address and bank – which I gave him – but then wanted my access code.

“I refused to give it and asked to be sent a cheque so then he rang off.

“When I called Inland Revenue they said they never make calls like that and they would never take bank details – so it was definitely a scam.

“Other elderly people have told me they have had similar experiences and that they would give over their details, so I want to warn others not to do that.

“Everyone should be very careful about handing over any of their details.”