SCAMMERS pretending to be from HM Revenue and Customs have been targeting elderly and vulnerable people.

Wiltshire Police have warned residents to be vigilant after receiving several reports of these fraudulent calls.

Over the last few weeks, a number of people have had threatening calls from fraudsters.

The victims are told they have arrest warrants or outstanding debts in their name.

The offenders will often ask their victims to purchase iTunes gift cards as payment.

Some victims have been told by the cold callers that they will be arrested if they don't pay up.

Text messages are also being used to ask victims to call back on a number provided.

They are then told they must pay back outstanding debt which doesn't exist.

Community coordinator PC Charly Chilton offered advice to residents.

She said: "Incidents of this nature can leave victims feeling upset, scared and worried.

"It is important to remember that HMRC will never use texts to tell you about tax rebates or penalties, and will never ask for payment.

"We'd urge anyone who receives a suspicious phone call to end it immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040."