Concerned residents have been taking to social media to warn others about hoax HMRC phone calls.

Residents from the Hyndburn area have reported receiving calls and text messages from bogus HMRC accounts telling people they owe the government tax money and a warrant is out for their arrest.

Most of the calls have been received over the last week and seem to have been targeting mainly elderly residents.

Posting in the Facebook group, Hyndburn Chatters, on Friday October 5, Mark Jackson said: "Be aware, scam calls to mostly the elderly saying they owe tax and there is a warrant out for their arrest.

"It's a scam; my mum was scared to death and went to the police station and they told her loads [of people] have been in.

"Please check your elderly family and friends."

Another Facebook member posted a photo of a text message she'd received from the government warning her of the phone call scam.

The text read: "HMRC is aware of an automated phone call scam which will tell you HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you, and to press one to speak to a caseworker to make a payment.

"We can confirm this is a scam and you should end the call immediately.

"This scam has been widely reported and often targets elderly and vulnerable people.

"If you cannot verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them."

Police issued a statement on Sunday saying: "Local residents are receiving a number of calls from people claiming to be from Government agencies, i.e Inland Revenue and HMRC, requesting payments.

"Please be aware Government agencies will not contact you over the phone and ask for your bank details or request you purchase store gift cards.

"Keep you bank details safe and do not pass them to anyone."

HMRC recommends reporting full details of any telephone scam by email to: phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk, including the date of the call, phone number used and content of the call.