People are being warned to be vigilant after Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police have experienced an increase in reports of attempted frauds.

They have received eight reports across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire and are now working with Action Fraud - the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre.

All of the incidents were reported to the police on January 25.

In five of the incidents people were phoned by someone claiming they were from HM Revenue and Customs.

The caller then stated that the people owed money, which could be paid in music or games vouchers. In three of these incidents the caller said that a courier would visit to collect the vouchers.

Detective sergeant Paul Bent from the Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit said: "Fraudsters like this can be really convincing, offering false job titles and lots of detail to support their claims. They try to rush you or put you on the spot - even threatening legal action in some cases, like the one in Leominster - to pressure you into making a quick decision.

"In most cases like these, people trust their instincts and make the right decision, which is putting the phone down and reporting the incident to Action Fraud.

"We urge you to remember that a genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, your password, or to move money to another account. Always question uninvited contact like this - you can contact the real organisation yourself using a known email or phone number.

"Trust your instincts: if a phone call, text or email seems dodgy it probably is."

To report fraud or a suspicious incident like the ones above, phone Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.