Members of the public are warned to be on their guard after an East Kilbride pensioner was conned out of £500.
The 87-year-old was targeted by a fraudster who told her she owed tax and would have to send Amazon vouchers to clear the debt.
When the scammer called back for the codes, he then informed the woman she would have to repeat the process again.
It was her return to the supermarket later to buy more vouchers which alerted staff who were already aware of the telephone scam and connected police on behalf of the vulnerable victim.
Police are now investigating the incident and are asking people to be aware.
A statement reads: "Threats of every kind are used in these scams and are very unsettling. Common threats to scare victims have included warnings that electricity is going to be cut off, an eviction notice has been served due to council tax debts, that a warrant has been issued for their arrest, or are about to have property repossessed.
"Please inform anyone in your family who may be vulnerable that no reputable company or government organisation will ever make contact regarding a debt where payments can be made in vouchers of any kind. They will never ask you to make a wire money transfer. They will never ask for access to your internet bank to check your balance. Every one of these circumstances is a scam and you are about to lose your money. End the call immediately.
"The perpetrators sound very convincing, and the threat immediate. Once a victim discovers they have been scammed, it is common to feel embarrassed at having been conned.
"Please re-assure family and friends that they should have confidence in reporting any loss, and to call 101 to report the matter."
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