FRAUDSTERS claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have targeted people in Bridlington and attempted to trick them into paying bogus debts and taxes.

In two cases this week, the fraudsters told their intended victims that they had unpaid tax bills and demanded immediate payment., with one woman told she owed £860 in income tax payments and she would be taken to court if she did not pay.

Another 80-year-old woman was threatened that unless she immediately went to her local supermarket and bought iTunes vouchers to the value of £700 – which someone would arrange to collect - she would be taken to court and ordered to pay £46,000.

Both realised it was a scam and refused to hand any money over. However, we’re issuing this warning today to help prevent others falling for the con.

Detective Inspector Kev Foster said: "A genuine representative of HMRC would never call and ask for your bank details or for payment in iTunes vouchers. Be wary of any caller who asks you to give personal or financial details over the phone – wherever they claim to be from.

"If you believe it may be a genuine call from your bank, a retailer where you have an account or a Government body, hang up and call them back later – and look up the contact details yourself rather than using a number the caller has given you. If they’re genuine they won’t have a problem with this and you could save yourself from handing over your hard earned cash to a scammer."

If you have received a call that you are suspicious about phone Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.