Northern Territory Police are warning Territorians about a phone scam relating to the Australian Tax Office.

Complainants have reported receiving a phone call from the scammer, purporting to be a representative of the ATO, advising the complainant that they have an outstanding tax bill.

The caller has then threatened and intimidated the victim, requesting that they pay the outstanding bill by purchasing Google Play cards. The scammer then obtains the card number from the victim whose money is withdrawn within a few minutes.

Two incidences of this scam in the past three weeks has seen one victim lose $2800 and the second victim $5000.

It is believed the caller is based overseas.

Police advise anyone who receives such a phone call to record the phone number they have called from, hang up and report it to the police assistance line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest police station.