FRAUDSTERS are targeting people in Dorset, police have warned.

In just two days, officers received reports of 11 telephone scam attempts in Sherborne.

Callers told residents they were representatives of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Victims were told they face outstanding debts.

Some were told bailiffs had been notified and police have issued a warrant for their arrest.

One victim was told that they must buy hundreds of pounds worth of iTunes vouchers to pay off their debt.

PCSO Mark Jones of the Sherborne Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team said fraudsters often use iTunes gift cards as part of a scam as they can be easily redeemed and sold on.

"The scammers don’t need the physical card to redeem the value and instead get victims to read out the serial code on the back over the phone," he said.

"The same scam is often used using a variety of methods including calls, texts, emails and voice mails."

For more information, or to report a fraud, visit actionfraud.police.uk