MP warns of bogus tax calls

People in Stirling are being urged to exercise caution when on the phone after numerous reports of bogus calls.

Stirling MP Steven Paterson says he has been contacted by several constituents who have been targeted by scammers claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

The caller is said to request personal information such as bank account details. A number of people have also said they have been contacted with threats of lawsuits over unpaid debts – despite enquiries revealing no such debts were owed to HMRC.

Often, those contacted are initially left a voicemail message informing they are to be subject to legal action and are instructed to call back. The potential victim is then asked for bank details over the phone and, on occasion, has been asked to purchase gift vouchers and pass on the serial numbers.

To avoid falling victim Advice from Action Fraud are urging people to confirm the identity of the person calling – if unable to do so the advice is to hang up.

HMRC should then be contacted via the official website before Police Scotland should be made aware on 101.

Mr Paterson said: “This sort of crime targets those who are vulnerable and seeks to scam them out of substantial sums of money. The dirty tricks used to strike fear into those on the receiving end of bogus calls is what pushes some people to comply with their requests for information or payment.

“I have had a number of constituents contacting my office for advice regarding this matter in recent days and it is important to stay vigilant, speak to elderly relatives or vulnerable people about the importance of verifying who’s on the other end of the phone, and report any suspicious calls to Police Scotland.”