HAMPSHIRE residents are being reminded to be vigilant after a number of people were targeted in a scam.

On each occasion the victim received a telephone call from a person claiming to be from HMRC.

They were told that they would be arrested if they did not settle an unpaid tax bill. The victims, however, suspected it was a scam and refused to hand over any money.

Police are warning residents about such calls and urge anyone who receives one to report the matter to the police or Action Fraud immediately.

Residents are reminded to protect themselves never giving out any personal information about their bank account over the phone.

If the caller asks you to ring them back so you can be sure of their identification, hang up and call the company they are claiming to be from using a different phone.

If you can’t use a different phone, wait at least five minutes before calling back.

If you have given out information that could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank up to cancel your cards as soon as possible.

Anyone concerned about similar incidents should call the police on 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.