Trading Standards have received reports of scam text messages being circulated that claim to be from Local Government Authorities. 

Beware of texts asking you to claim or apply for cost-of-living help or other Council funding. The scam text messages ask the receiver to click on a link to share their bank details in order to receive a payment.

Nottinghamshire County Council will never send a text asking for your bank details. To avoid scams and protect your personal information, do not click on links in text messages from unknown senders. Links can take you to spoof sites that look real but will steal your personal information

If you get a text claiming to be from Nottinghamshire County Council and you're not sure if the sender is genuine, contact the Council customer services directly online or if you prefer, on the phone 0300 500 80 80.

If you get a suspicious text message, you can forward it to the number 7726 – this will allow your provider to track the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender if it's a scam. You can also report scam text messages to report@phishing.gov.uk by providing a screenshot of the text message.

If you have received a scam message and made a payment, contact your bank as soon as possible to cancel the payment.

For further support, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.