People in Swindon have been warned about half a dozen scams in the area, targeting a wide range of topics. 

From Covid vaccines to the government offering free money, we've rounded up all the scams we know about so you can be prepared.

HMRC Phone Scam

One of the latest scams to do the rounds is the 'HMRC' saying you could be arrested. 

Det Sgt Ian Magrath of Wiltshire Police’s Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit said: “HMRC will never leave a voice mail threatening legal action and never give the reason for a call in a voice message.

“In the example message both these elements were mentioned which should ring alarm bells with the recipient.

“HMRC will not message you via WhatsApp ever – if anything on WhatsApp purports to be from HMRC it’s 100 per cent scam.”

READ MORE: Listen to the latest 'HMRC' phone scam: Victims threatened with arrest warrant

This Is Wiltshire: Covid vaccine text Covid vaccine text

Covid vaccine text

Swindon Borough Council had to issue a message on social media warning people of a text offering a Covid vaccine. 

The text says it's from the NHS and needs you to register for the vaccine. 

A link in the text will take you to a convincing looking NHS site and ask you for personal and bank details.

READ MORE: Swindon Borough Council warns against latest Covid vaccine scam

This Is Wiltshire: DVLA warns against car tax scamDVLA warns against car tax scam

Car tax scam

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency had to issue a fresh warning over scams targetting drivers in the UK. 

The body responsible for car tax and vehicle licensing has warned drivers to be on the lookout for new phishing scams which can dupe innocent victims into handing over personal details such as bank information. 

This is often done by sending messages claiming to be from a legitimate company or organisation.

READ MORE: DVLA issues warning over scam targeting drivers

This Is Wiltshire: Free government money scamFree government money scam

Free money from the government

Another scam has played on people's need for financial security during the Covid pandemic. 

People have been sent texts saying the government will be handing out money as "part of its promise to battle Covid-19."

The text then links to a site where victims apply to get their cash.

The link will then take personal and bank details from the victim - and you won't get any money.

READ MORE: New scam claims government is handing out free money