POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after numerous reports of scam phone calls in the Chester area.

The scammers, who seem to be targeting people who live alone, claim to be from the HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) and that the resident either owes money or has a warrant out for their arrest.

PCSO Beth George said: “We have recently had reports of fraudsters phoning local residents claiming to be from the HMRC, stating, that they owed HMRC money. The fraudsters then requests the victim to buy itune vouchers, and pass them the voucher details over the phone.

“The HMRC will never call you and demand money, and, will never request payment in itune vouchers.

“Please be aware of this type of crime.”

A Saughall resident contacted the Standard to say he had received a call from a scammer claiming to be from the HMRC as had family members living in Blacon.

He said he had been assured by the police it was a scam call and urged other people to be on their guard.

He said: “I live on my own in sheltered accommodation and I think they’ve gone after me because of that. They play on your fears.

“The voice on the phone sounded so official, it’s easy to be fooled.”

The advice from Cheshire Police on avoiding such scams is:

• Do not engage with people over the phone who are requesting money and be wary of any calls, texts or emails purporting to be from the police asking for your personal or financial details, or for you to transfer money

• The police will never ask you to become part of an undercover investigation or for you to withdraw money and hand it to them for safekeeping

• If you are approached, or feel something is suspicious, hang up the phone and do not reply and then report it to police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. You should also inform your bank on its advertised number.