FRAUDSTERS described as ‘the lowest of the low’ are targetting vulnerable residents via a HMRC tax scam.

PCSO Dave Johnson, who was contacted by the fraudsters himself, said the force had received a number of reports from victims and an 82-year-old woman was conned out of £900.

Police said latest scam sees residents contacted via an automated message claiming that they owe tax.

The victim is warned if they don’t settle the balance with Argos vouchers they will face court action.

The con is similar to the one that saw a 60-year-old Blackburn man scammed out of his life-savings.

In that case the man received a similar threat over the phone from a man claiming to be from HMRC and saying he would face court action if he didn’t settle his debt with iTunes vouchers.

Speaking about the latest scam, PCSO Johnson said: “They are getting a list of vulnerable people and deliberately targetting them.

“They are the lowest of the low and the scum of the earth. We have had a number of reports in East Lancashire but I think it is a nationwide thing. I even got a call from them. I pressed one to speak to an operator, told them who I worked for and gave them a piece of my mind.”

A police spokesman said: “A large number of people have been contacted by phone by people who are purporting to be from HMRC. The recorded message says something like ‘we are contacting you regarding some tax that you owe to the HMRC.

“If we do not hear from you it may be necessary to take out a court order or send the police to speak to you’.

“Several people have also been asked to purchase Argos or store gift cards and send them off.

“One elderly lady of 82 actually bought £900 of Argos vouchers and was obviously scared of what may happen.

“This is a scam and HMRC would never phone you to discuss your tax affairs but would write to you in person.

“Please hang up the phone and if a mobile number is mentioned please make a note of it and contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040 to let them know.”

A spokesman for HMRC said: “HMRC takes security extremely seriously. We are aware that some people have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to be from HMRC. We have a well-known brand, which criminals abuse to add credibility to their scams. If someone calls you claiming to be from HMRC saying you are owed a tax refund and asking for information such as credit card or bank details then it’s a scam. HMRC will never request that tax debts are paid in vouchers.”