A STRING of telephone scam incidents across Cumbria has sparked fresh warnings from the police.

On March 24, a 59-year-old Ulverston woman received a call from a male with an Asian accent, who purported to be a police officer.

He claimed that she owed £987, that there was a warrant for her arrest and that she would go to jail.

He agreed she could pay the debt owed in £1,000 of iTunes vouchers, which she must purchase from Tesco in Barrow.

Fortunately, she realised it was a scam before handing over any money or vouchers.

This follows another two incidents earlier last week.

On March 22 a man who lives in Holme was called by the number 0208 122 0704. The caller stated they were from the Ministry of Defence, and that the man was owed £2,500 from PPI.

He was told he would have to pay £125 in iTunes vouchers first, and that these would be picked up from their address.

On March 21, a vulnerable woman in Flookburgh was called by 0203 322 1004. The caller stated they were from the Tax Office and that the woman owed them a large amount of money.

The victim described the caller as very aggressive, telling her that if she did not pay up she would be arrested, fined and taken to jail.

The caller asked for £1,000 in iTunes and again stated that these would be picked up from her home address.

Two similar incidents occurred in Barrow in February, with a caller stating to be from HMRC and asking for iTunes vouchers.

All victims have reported the callers being persistent and aggressive in their approach. The most recent incident left the woman extremely upset and distressed.

This is a national scam that sees the fraudsters target victims via call, voicemail or text message. They are often claiming to be from HMRC and asking the victims to pay debt they say is owed in iTunes vouchers, which can be easily redeemed and sold on.

Crime Prevention Officer Sharon Livesey-Roach said: “Unfortunately we keep seeing incidents of this nature, where fraudsters scare their victims and threaten that they face court and possibly prison.

“If you get such an unexpected call, where you are asked to transfer money or hand over vouchers, terminate the call immediately and contact Action Fraud. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

“We ask that any members of the public with elderly relatives and neighbours share the message with them. It is often the most vulnerable in our society that these criminals target, and we need to all ensure they are educated enough to be confident against these scammers.”

To report a fraud call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit their website http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/. You can also sign up to their fraud alert service http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/support-and-prevention/sign-up-to-action-fraud-alert