HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people about a phone scam that is currently doing the rounds in the South West. The scam is particularly convincing and intimidating, and scammers have succeeded in conning people, often elderly people, out of thousands of pounds.

The scammers cold call victims and impersonate an HMRC member of staff. They tell the victim that they owe large amounts of tax which they can only pay off through digital vouchers and gift cards, including those used for Apple’s iTunes Store.

Victims are told to go to a local shop, buy these vouchers and then read out the redemption code to the scammer who has kept them on the phone the whole time. The conmen then sell on the codes or purchase high-value products, all at the victim’s expense.

The scammers frequently use intimidation to get what they want, threatening to seize the victim’s property or involve the police.

HMRC is advising the public that they would NEVER request the settling of debt using such a method.

The advice is:

1. Share this information and talk to potential victims who are not on social media.

2. If you suspect that you or an elderly relative has been the victim of this scam or a similar one, report it immediately to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool: https://goo.gl/dK1uEx

3. Check GOV.UK for information at https://goo.gl/faJ7Rn on how to avoid and report scams. You will find information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact at https://goo.gl/BcWLeH

4. If you think you have received an HMRC related phishing/bogus email or text message, you can check it against the examples shown in an online guide at: https://goo.gl/R7MTbZ

5. Apple provides a support page reminding customers that iTunes Gift Cards can only be used to purchase goods and services on the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, or for an Apple Music membership. They offer tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. More information is available at https://goo.gl/ALgfgu

Action Fraud advice about this fraud is available at https://goo.gl/yWj953