People in the Isle of Man are being conned in a telephone scam.

An automatic call tells appears to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and CUstoms, the UK tax service.

Two separate residents lost a total of £6,000 yesterday in the scam.

Police inspector Gav Callow said: ’If you get a call saying you owe money or are threatened with arrest. Put the phone down.

’It’s a scam, a theft, a cheat, they are thieves.

’The number on the phone is fake and will be from anywhere in the UK.

’Do the island and your family/friends a favour - share this message- tell everyone you know.’

He added: ’I had a call yesterday on my mobile at work from a Liverpool number.

;An automated voice with the threats detailed above. Pressing button 1 will just put you through to a call centre where they will no doubt know they have a worried person and try to get your bank details. #

’Put the phone down! If you have given out bank details contact your bank as soon as possible.’