A warning has been issued after con artists tried to scam people out of money by selling tickets to a fake festival in Barrhead.

The fraudsters took to social media to offer briefs for a ‘Winter Festival’ that was said to be taking place in the town’s Cowan Park over a number of weeks in November to December.

However, East Renfrewshire Council has confirmed that no such event has been booked for the park.

Organisers of the Barrhead Winter Wonderland event that will take place on Saturday, November 27, have also stressed that the festival being advertised on social media has nothing to do with them.

Families from across East Renfrewshire are expected to flock to the town centre for the Winter Wonderland fun, being staged by business improvement organisation All About Barrhead.

It will be the first time the event has been held since 2019, with last year’s celebrations cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement posted on social media, a spokesperson for All About Barrhead warned: “It has been brought to our attention that a page has been advertising and selling tickets for a ‘Winter Festival’ coming to Cowan Park over a number of weeks from November to December.

“We should advise that we have no knowledge of this event, no licence application has been lodged and we believe it to be a scam, created solely to extort money from trusting people who are excited to take part in festive fun.

“Events advertised or hosted by the page link...are in no way linked with All About Barrhead or our Barrhead’s Winter Wonderland event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 27.”

Bosses at East Renfrewshire Council have also confirmed they are aware of the scam.

A spokesperson said: “We have been made aware that a Winter Festival event in Cowan Park, beginning on or around November 17, is being promoted online.

“We can confirm that no such event has been booked for the park this winter.

“If anyone is concerned about tickets they have purchased, they should contact Advice Direct Scotland.”

Consumer watchdog Advice Direct Scotland can be contacted on 0808 800 9060.