HELENSBURGH residents are being advised to be aware of telephone scammers after an increase in calls in the area over the last few days.

Residents have been receiving calls from fraudsters claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs.

One woman received a call saying that she owed £400 and had to pay it back or she would be taken to court.

She was informed that she would have to pay the amount in iTunes vouchers which would be collected from her home.

The woman then went to a neighbour, who asked the caller who they were, and they hung up.

According to a post on the Argyll and Bute Trading Standards' Facebook page, the caller was described as "aggressive, threatening and intimidating".

On the same page the area's trading standards team said: "If you receive a call like this, do not give any of your personal or bank details. HMRC would never request the settling of debt through such a method and would not make calls like this."

People are advised to report any similar calls to Police Scotland by calling 101 or Argyll and Bute Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.