Pensioners in Dumbarton and the Vale are advised to be aware of what personal information they are giving out after an OAP from Haldane became victim of a fraudulent caller.

The local woman initially believed she was talking to an official from HMRC.

She told the Reporter: “The call seemed legitimate. I honestly wouldn’t have been able to tell that it was fake.”

She gave these scam artists her address, National Insurance number and postcode. However, after her friend advised her that it was a scam she hung up and contacted the police.

She has also revealed that four of her friends in the same area have had similar calls in the past week.

The scammer claimed that they had sent her warrant and arrest letters between February 5-12, but were returned back to the post office.

One of the callers called back on an 0200 number claiming to be a chief inspector of tax for HMRC in order to attempt to obtain her personal details.

She said: “I honestly thought I was going to have a heart attack. I didn’t expect myself to fall a victim of scam calls.”

“I felt scared because I didn’t know what would happen to me. I think more attention needs to be raised about this issue.”

It is advised on the Police Scotland website that on any account do not engage with cold callers. Keep a note of any telephone numbers, emails or other correspondence you have had with the fraudster and report the fraud immediately to Police Scotland on 101.