POLICE are warning the public to be vigilant after a HMRC phone scam was reported in Kingswinford.

The incident happened on Tuesday December 11 and saw a woman cold called by someone impersonating a HMRC staff member.

The victim was told she owed more than £700, and would need to buy gift vouchers to cover the cost.

West Midlands Police say the trick is a well-known scam and officers are urging people to stay alert.

A police spokesman said: "Typically the victim is called by someone who tells them that they owe large amounts of tax which they can only pay off through digital vouchers and gift cards, including those used for Apple’s iTunes Store.

"Victims are told to go to a local shop, buy these vouchers, and then read out the redemption code to the scammer, who has kept them on the phone the whole time.

"The conmen then sell on the codes or purchase high-value products, all at the victim’s expense.

"The scammers frequently use intimidation to get what they want, threatening to seize the victim’s property or involve the police. The use of vouchers is an attractive scam as they are easy to sell on and hard to trace once used.

"HMRC would never request the settling of debt through such a method.

"Thankfully the woman in Kingswinford terminated the call and alerted police."

Police say they have launched an investigation following the incident and they are urging people to warn vulnerable friends and neighbours about it.