SCAMMERS are targeting the elderly by accusing them of tax evasion.

A number of concerned Barrow residents contacted the Evening Mail after receiving repeated calls from men claiming to represent Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). They want to make sure others are not frightened or fooled.

Grace Hallitt had her daughter look up the scam online after receiving calls on Thursday (9) and Friday (10).

The 86-year-old, of Walney, said: “It's quite frightening really, his manner is very official.”

James Porter received two of the calls, during which the recipient is told to “Press 1 to proceed” at 9.50am on Wednesday (8) and Friday (10). He visited Barrow police to check he had been right to hang up, having been told he owed £178 and would be arrested at his home if he did not transfer £500 in bonds.

The 72-year-old, of Margate Street, Walney, said: “They told me, ‘No one’s coming for you mate’.”