CRAFTY telephone conmen have been targeting members of the public by saying they owe HMRC money - before demanding iTunes gift cards as a repayment.

Police say a 73-year-old man in West Dunbartonshire almost fell for the scam.

He was recently targeted with the fraudster telling him that he owed HMRC money and if he did not pay, the police would be called.

The man was then instructed to go to a supermarket to purchase iTunes gift cards, however, when he told the shop assistant about what he’d been instructed to do, he was advised to stop because it could be a scam.

Police say there have been a number of incidents reported recently across Argyll and West Dunbartonshire where victims are tricked into paying bogus debts and taxes using iTunes gift cards.

Contact is made via automated voicemails, phone calls and text messages.

Constable Colin MacMillan, from Dumbarton Police Station, said: “It is very concerning that criminals are trying to con innocent people out of money and it is so important that everyone is aware of the dangers these scams can pose.

“HMRC will never use texts or ask you to pay a tax rebate or penalty in this way. HMRC will write to you officially regarding any genuine issues. Our advice would be to be aware of this scam and end any suspicious cold calls you receive.

“There are concerns that the scammers are targeting elderly people in particular and I would urge people to ensure they pass this advice on to any relatives, friends or neighbours who could be potential victims.

“Anyone with concerns of this nature can contact their local police office via 101.”