Dorset Police received 13 reports of one day of a HMRC scam circulating the area.

Individuals are being contacted, in a variety of methods, and told they owe an outstanding debt to HMRC.

Detective Inspector Neil Wright, Force Volume Crime Unit, said: "I urge residents to be aware of this trend affecting Dorset. Tell your loved ones, your neighbours and your colleagues.

"This is a scam. HMRC will never ask you for iTunes vouchers or anything else similar as payment for unpaid tax.

"If you receive a suspicious call just hang up. Don't engage with these people as it just gives them more opportunities to pull you in."

iTunes gift cards are becoming more popular as a way to collect money from victims because they are easy to redeem and quick to sell on.

An HMRC spokesperson 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.

"We recommend if you cannot verify the identity of a caller, do not speak to them. We encourage you to check GOV.UK for information on how to avoid and report scams, recognise genuine HMRC contact and make payments to HMRC."

If you are suspicious of an email or text claiming to be from HMRC, please send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk so it can be checked.

For information and advice about scams in Dorset, visit dorset.police.uk/fraud.

Scams should be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.