Police in Gloucestershire are warning people to be on their guard following reports of  scam phone calls claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs.

The first was to a number in Tetbury where a woman was told that she owed almost £4,000 that she needed to pay within an hour.

The caller threatened that the woman's bank account would be frozen and her home and car would be at risk.

No money was transferred and the woman contacted police.

The second was to a woman in the Quedgeley area of Gloucester where a woman received an automated message threatening court action.

The woman contacted HMRC and was assured that the call had not come from them.

The advice from police is not to give any bank details, or be pressured into action over the telephone.

Banks, building societies and official bodies would not approach you in this way nor ask you for financial details in this way.

Anyone receiving calls of this nature should report them to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.