WARNING! Scam HMRC calls on the increase
We recently posted a blog on three commonly used fraud scams by criminals masquerading as HMRC.
The current phone scam that we’ve been told about involves an automated message along the following lines:
“This is Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs. We have been trying to reach you to let you know we are filing a law suit against you. Please press 1 to speak to a case officer.”
If you receive one of these calls please hang up the phone. Some unfortunate victims have been known to settle their alleged debts using iTunes and Argos gift card vouchers. We know that HMRC are desperate to swell their coffers, but taking serial numbers from high street retail vouchers is not an acceptable form of tax payment!
Action Fraud has said that hundreds of these calls have been made recently. It is likely that the nature of these calls will change over time.
It is not common for HMRC to contact individuals by telephone, but it does happen from time to time, particularly if they are seeking payment of a genuine debt. However before it reaches that stage the taxpayer would probably have received numerous letters and demands and any subsequent telephone call would not come as a surprise.
The dilemma for individuals is therefore to establish if a call is legitimate. If you are in any way unsure then the best course of action is to put down the phone. Do not provide any bank account or personal details for alleged debts. You can contact HMRC using one of the phone numbers on their website to find out if you do actually owe them any money. Or better still contact us first and we will quickly let you know if any tax is due.
If you have any concerns about this please give Angie Harvey a call on 0131 317 7377 or email angie.harvey@jsca.co.uk and she will ensure you are connected with the most relevant and available member of the team.
