POLICE in North Yorkshire are warning residents to be vigilant after a surge in calls from scammers claiming to be from HMRC was reported in the county.

In most instances, the caller claims to be from HRMC and says that the individual owes a substantial amount of money in unpaid fines.

The caller then goes on to say that if the individual does not pay the required amount of money within a specified time frame then they will be arrested.

Police have issued advice on how to deal with suspected scam calls.

This includes to never give out any personal details or financial information over the phone.

And if a caller claims to be from a legitimate organisation like a government department, bank or building society, it is advisable to respond by asking to call them back and then search the official customer service number to ring back on. If it is a legitimate organisation, they will happy with a call back.