POLICE have warned residents not to be tricked by a 'threatening' HMRC scam doing the rounds.

A victim from Ascot reported receiving an answerphone message claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs demanding people return the call or a warrant will be issued and they will “get arrested shortly”.

The message from a worried resident was sent to police after they received a threatening call.

In the telephone call, a caller says they are from HMRC and states there is tax outstanding on your account. The victim can pay the outstanding balance immediately over the phone to prevent further consequences and if they don't pay the call says they have already issued a warrant for arrest.

The call seems even more threatening as the scammer says the warrant 'has been sent to the local police station and there is a police officer on standby, waiting for their call, as to whether or not to attend immediately and make an arrest.'

Bracknell News:

The local neighbourhood policing team explained that this is a scam which has been going around for years.

Police said: "As always – the scammers are really good at what they do and are both convincing and threatening. As always, if you get one of these calls, breathe – stop and pause – take a moment to think – then just put the phone down."

A spokeswoman for HMRC said: “If you can’t verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.

“If someone calls, emails or texts claiming to be from HMRC, saying that you can claim financial help, are due a tax refund or owe tax, or asks for bank details, it might be a scam.”

You can report tax scams online. You can refer suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and forward suspicious text messages to 60599.