POLICE have issued fresh warnings about bogus HM Revenue and Customs calls after a woman was scammed out of £525.

Earlier this week, Action Fraud highlighted a new trend that has hit the UK which sees fraudsters contact victims claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs or a PPI claims company.

The victim is then conned into paying off fake debts using iTunes gift cards.

On Thursday, July 7, the fraudsters called a 67-year-old woman from Barnard Castle and told her she would be arrested if she failed to pay back an unpaid tax bill.

They instructed her to buy £525-worth of iTunes vouchers from her local supermarket and pass on the details over the phone.

The vouchers were instantly redeemed.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Please remember official agencies do not collect money in this way. Please circulate this information to your family and friends who you feel may be vulnerable to these types of calls.”

Any suspicious phone calls should be reported to the police, on 101, or Action Fraud on 0300-123-2040.