Humberside Police are urging people to warn friends and family about a scam where a fraudster pretends to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) before tricking vulnerable victims into paying bogus debts and taxes using iTunes gift cards.

The warning comes following numerous reports in North Lincolnshire of elderly people being told over the phone that they owe a large amount of money to HMRC. The fraudsters claim that they face arrest unless they buy iTunes vouchers and tell the scammer the codes over the phone.

Detective Inspector Phil Booker said: “Unfortunately, this is a national scam, primarily used to target the elderly who are vulnerable and more susceptible to frauds of this nature.

“I would ask everyone to print off the downloadable advice and spend a moment sharing it with elderly relatives to make them aware of this and help prevent further victims in our area.”

To report a fraud of this nature call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our on-line fraud reporting tool. For further details about this scam visit HMRC and iTunes gift card scam www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/alert-hmrc-and-itunes-gift-card-scam-may16