Police are warning the public of a telephone scam demanding iTunes gift cards as payment for unpaid taxes.

The warning comes after a 66-year-old Oshawa woman was defrauded for more than $12,000.

Police say on April 5, the woman received a call from someone claiming to be from Canada Revenue Agency, who threatened her with an 11 year jail sentence if they did not receive payment for unpaid taxes. She was told to buy a quantity of Apple iTunes gift cards and call back with the serial numbers.

Seven days later, the victim was contacted again and told more money was needed. Police were alerted when staff at a Bowmanville Walmart observed a confused, elderly female purchasing a large quantity of iTunes cards.

Police were able to stop her before she passed on the serial numbers and she managed to get a refund for the $2,500 worth of gift cards.