The HMRC scam is currently doing the rounds via telephone, text message or email. It is a type of phishing, which means someone is contacting potential victims on a large scale, and the attempt is not personal towards you.
How can you spot the scam? You will be contacted by phone, email or text and you will be told you are talking to the HMRC. The fraudster will tell you that a large amount of tax is owed, immediate payment is required and if you do not pay, a warrant will be issued for your arrest by the police. Or maybe that you are owed a tax rebate and to follow a link.
This fraud is successful because the contact is scary, and the language they use may also be aggressive and authoritative.
How can you stay safe? A genuine call or email from HMRC will always include your reference number and never demand immediate payment. Be aware that fraudsters can ‘spoof’ their phone numbers and pretend to be calling from anywhere in the world. If the number displayed on your phone matches their legitimate number online, it does not mean it is genuine.
Log in to your HMRC online account to verify contact, or call the HMRC on a number that you already know to be correct. Avoid using a number provided to you by the caller, as this number will belong to the fraudster. Hover your mouse over any links and at the bottom of your screen it will display where that link is actually going to take you. Remember, no genuine organisation will ever scare or worry you.
If you have been the victim of fraud, report it www.actionfraud.police.uk or call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Linda Brooks
Police Community Support Officer, Avon & Somerset Police
Wootton Courtenay 