Police have released a recording of a phone scam after a number of people were recently tricked by fraudsters.

In recent months, a number of residents across Hertfordshire have fallen victim to scam calls, including a man from Rickmansworth who was conned out of more than £20,000 by people who said they worked for Her Majesty's Revenues and Customs (HMRC).

The elderly man had been tricked into buying 267 iTunes vouchers.

Hertfordshire Police has released a mock call in a bid to raise awareness.

In the video, which is based on the scam in Rickmansworth, the caller informs the victim that he is working for HMRC and that the victim has an outstanding tax debt.

The caller threatens a court order to reclaim the money unless immediate payments is made.

The caller instructs the victim to purchase a quantity of iTunes vouchers in order to repay the debt and says they will call back to get the iTunes vouchers codes. These iTunes voucher codes are then sold on by the scammer.

Watch the video below to see how you can spot the signs that you might be getting tricked.

Video: Hertfordshire Police/Youtube

Fraudsters have been contacting victims using a spoofed HMRC 0300 200 3300 number to convince them that they owe unpaid tax to HMRC.

Fraudsters are also sending text messages that require victims to urgently call back on the number provided. When victims call back, they are told that there is a case being built against them for an outstanding debt and they must pay immediately.

Hertfordshire Police offer the following advice on unexpected phone calls.

• HMRC will never use texts to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty or ever ask for payment in iTunes vouchers.

• Telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. You should never trust the number you see on your telephone’s display.

• Beware any unexpected calls or texts, particularly if they concern money. If you receive a suspicious cold call, end it immediately.

• If you are not happy with a phone call and are suspicious of the conversation you have with the caller, please end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101 or report it online.

Further information is available on Action Fraud's website.