A community warden on Romney Marsh has said she's becoming increasingly worried about the number of threatening scam calls being made to elderly residents in the area as part of a new con.

The callers, who claim to be from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), have reportedly been aggressive to scores of pensioners in the district, contacting them via their landline telephone numbers.

Now Joanna Watts, KCC community warden for Lydd, wants to help raise awareness of the crime in the area, which she says is leaving pensioners 'genuinely terrified'.

She said: "It's the threatening nature of the calls. They're beyond aggressive.

"We all know that scam calls have been going on for some time, but this just seems to be on a different level."

Mrs Watts said that at least 30 residents have been vulnerable to the calls in the last week alone, and that's just those who have contacted her, meaning there could be more victims out there.

The wording of the calls appear to be read from a script, with many of them saying 'This is Her Majesty's Revenue and Custom's Office. A warrant has been made for your immediate arrest and a lawsuit has been filed against you.'

Those on the receiving end are then given the option to 'press one for a legal advisor', which is the point when many people have started to suspect the phone call is a fraud attempt.

Mrs Watts said: "They're not stopping there. They call back and the threat level increases.

"What concerns me is people who are on their own will be frightened into giving over their bank details.

"This area is on the list, and it worries me that they may have been successful."

The reports have resulted in police issuing a warning and they have confirmed all the reports are now being investigated by Action Fraud.

More than 30 people in Romney Marsh have reported receiving the calls, and there have also been incidents reported in Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

Sergeant Greg Pochin said: "HMRC would never contact people in this way, so be on your guard.

"If you receive an automated call asking you to contact another number – it’s a scam.

"HMRC would also never ask you to reveal personal information, such as your bank account details, so if you receive a call of this nature, hang up and do not engage."

KCC Trading Standards Operations Manager Clive Phillips said : “These types of scams are becoming all too prevalent, not only in Kent but nationally.

"There are no enforcement agencies that threaten communities in this way and absolutely none will ever demand cash.

“We warn people not to enter into any dialogue with these callous criminals.

"Instead seek advice and report the matter to Kent Trading Standards via our partners in the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.”

Several residents have shared their own experiences on social media and say it has been going on for at least four weeks.

Mrs Watts also noted 0161 is the area code that is displayed for many of the incoming calls.

She said: "If we can stop one more person being scared, that's all that matters."

An HMRC spokesperson said: “Phone scams are widely reported, and generally attempt to target elderly and vulnerable people.

"They often involve people receiving a call out of the blue and being told that HMRC is investigating them.

"If you can’t verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.

“HMRC will call people about outstanding tax bills, and sometimes use automated messages, however it would include your taxpayer reference number.

"If you are uncertain of the caller hang up and call HMRC directly to check.

"You can confirm our call centre numbers online if you are unsure.

"For tax credits we do not include your details in any voicemail messages.”

Any residents seeking local advice should call Joanna Watts on 07969 583917 or email joanna.watts@kent.gov.uk