FRAUD experts urge people across the region to be vigilant a scammed and tried to con a man out of £30,000, days after a pregnant woman was tricked out of hundreds.

On Saturday a 59-year-old man reported being contacted by an aggressive caller claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Customs and Revenue(HMRC).

The caller demanded £30,000 in ‘unpaid monies’ before threatening the victim, from Newcastle, with arrest if he did not comply.

The victim hung up the phone without sending a penny to the con artist and immediately contacted Northumbria Police to report the incident.

Days earlier a pregnant woman, from Newcastle, lost £1,700 in a similar scam by fraudsters purporting to be from HMRC and Northumbria Police.

The scams have now prompted specialist fraud experts to issue a timely reminder to the public about how to spot a scam, and what to do if they fall victim.

Detective Sergeant Philip Thoburn, of Northumbria Police’s Complex Fraud Investigation Unit, said: “Often offenders will go to great lengths to try and extract money from unsuspecting members of the public and try and convince you they are from a legitimate company or government organisation.

“Scammers can be very manipulative with their victims and usually they will become aggressive and pushy when they are not getting what they want.

“We always advise people to take their time, do not be rushed and double check what the caller is telling you. Make sure you ask where they say they are calling from, take names, numbers and information. If you are ever unsure whether a caller is legitimate – hang up and use a trusted phone number or website to verify the information they gave you.

“The police, law enforcement and other government organisations will never cold-call you and ask you to send, withdraw or transfer money into our accounts and we will never threaten to arrest you for not doing this.”

The incident is being investigated by ActionFraud.

For advice or to report similar incidents call 0300-1232040 or visit the website actionfraud.police.uk