Police part of specialist team to tackle cold caller scammers

Police in Angus are tackling scammers who impersonate HMRC staff after a recent increase in complaints.

The police intervention comes after the HMRC highlighted a scam where callers pose as staff members who cold call victims and claim the householder owes large amounts of tax.

The person is then told to go and buy digital vouchers or gift cards, including those used for Amazon and Apple’s itunes Store, to pay off the tax debt.

Police Scotland, social work and health and trading standards in Angus have formed a specialist team to provide a quick and expert response to incidents of financial abuse.

A police spokeswoman said: “If you are asked to make payment using these types of vouchers you must take a few seconds to think and ask yourself why? If somebody wants you to pay a debt, why would they want what could be described as a gift voucher for payment?

“If you have been a victim of financial harm you are encouraged to report or seek advice from either Angus Council on their ACCESS Line on 03452 777 778 or the police on 101.”

This Financial Abuse Support Team (FAST) will support and protect people who are at risk of, or have suffered losses, through dishonesty and fraud.

The spokeswoman said:

“If you know of anyone being targeted for their money make a referral to the FAST now by calling the Angus Council ACCESSLINE on 03452 777 778.

“You can also follow the Twitteraccount @ scamfreeangus for all the latest information,” she added.