Scammers claiming to be from the tax office and demanding money have been targeting pensioners in Denbighshire.

Denbighshire County Council's trading standards and North Wales Police have received reports of the bogus phone calls from a Manchester number.

A recorded message, claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), threatens legal action unless unpaid tax bills are paid immediately.

An 81-year-old from Rhyl, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Right away the tone of voice made me suspicious so I hung up immediately.

"I was so shocked and numb I can't quite remember exactly what they asked, but they claimed that there was a court case against me, even though they didn't have my name.

"The moment they said that I told them I wouldn't speak to them and hung up.

"I 'm savvy enough to know something was wrong. I called my sons immediately who told me to report the number to Action Fraud.

A spokesman for Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, confirmed that they had received the complaint, which will be assessed by the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

The Journal tried three times to contact the scammers on number the pensioner provided after calling 1471, on each occasion the line was busy.

The Journal was also contacted by an 86-year-old, from Prestatyn, who said: “I was called five times last week. They’re determined.

“It’s a recorded message with a dull, flat, monotone woman’s voice telling you that the HMRC are going to take you to court and then tells you to press 'one' for more information so they can sting you for God knows how much."

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: “A genuine representative of HMRC would never call and ask for your bank details or for payment in iTunes vouchers.

"One individual was told that they owed £860 in income tax payments and they would be taken to court if she did not pay immediately.

“Be wary of any caller who asks you to give personal or financial details over the phone – wherever they claim to be from.

“If you believe it may be a genuine call from your bank, a retailer where you have an account or a Government body, hang up and call them back later – and look up the contact details yourself rather than using a number the caller has given you.

“If they’re genuine they won’t have a problem with this and you could save yourself from handing over your hard earned cash to a scammer.”

“We would also ask that you pass on on the details of this scam to any neighbours or relatives that you may have, we need to spread this message to any individuals who may be vulnerable or may not have access to online media.

"Anyone who receives a call that they are suspicious about is asked to call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report it online.

David Williams, North Wales Police's 'designing out crime officer', said: “This is a telephone scam and under no circumstances should anyone enter into conversation with the caller, let alone provide any personal details.

"If you receive a recorded message asking you to ring a particular phone number, don’t call them back. Never follow their instructions.

"You will not face any court proceedings, as claimed by the scam callers.”