RCMP in Alberta are warning residents about a phone scam being used in the province.

Investigators explained that callers claim to be with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) and say they are auditing past income tax claims.

Fraudsters then claim the individual has an outstanding balance that requires payment or a warrant will be issued.

The scammers also provide fake file numbers to further convince people of the authenticity of the fraud.

Callers then ask the individual to pay the balance by sending a money gram or loading a prepaid credit card and provide them with the card number.

Police have advised residents remain alert and avoid giving out personal information over the phone or Internet.