THE Isle of Wight Council is warning residents about fraudulent text messages claiming to be from official bodies.

These messages falsely state eligibility for payments from the Household Support Fund, the Department of Work and Pensions, the UK Home Office and parking fines.

Recipients are urged not to click on any links, provide any personal information, or disclose banking details, as these are scams.

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The council advises residents to be wary of unsolicited messages offering money, and to verify any doubtful claims directly with the council's Trading Standards team.

Suspicious texts can be forwarded for free to 7726, for the mobile provider to investigate, and potentially block the number.

Islanders are also encouraged to share this warning with friends and family, to help safeguard the community.

The council emphasises the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious activity, to prevent these fraudulent attempts.

The warning comes amid increasing reports of similar scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.