People are being warned not to fall for the latest HMRC scam, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people who are being targeted the most.
It is an automated phone call scam which states that HMRC is filing a lawsuit against the recipient of the call and says that they should ‘press 1 to speak to a caseworker in order to make an immediate payment’.
HMRC says that other scam calls may offer a tax refund and request you to provide your bank or credit card information.
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is helping to raise awareness of the scam by providing the following key points:
- HMRC sometimes use phone calls or automated messages (generally using a reference number that you recognise) but are unlikely to contact you about a matter such as this out of the blue
- Telephone numbers can easily be faked. You should never trust the number you see on your telephone display, even if it looks like an official HMRC number.
- If you receive a suspicious cold call, end it immediately. Call HMRC directly to check if it was a genuine call.
- You should report these incidents on the Action Fraud website, or you can call them on 0300 123 2040 (please note this number will be charged at your normal network rate). They are open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 18:00.
- You should also report the full details of the scam to HMRC (date, time, phone number used and content of the call) using emailphishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
To find out more about contracting please contact James on 01442 795 100 or email james.trowell@dolanaccountancy.com.
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