Stay alert warning after £30k scam call

Police are warning people to be vigilant after a phone scammer tried to con a man out of £30,000.

The incident happened on Saturday when the 59-yearold was contacted by a caller purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Customs and Revenue (HMRC.)

The caller demanded £30,000 in ‘unpaid monies’ – threatening the victim with arrest if he did not comply.

The victim, who lives in Newcastle, hung up without sending any money and immediately contacted Northumbria Police.

The incident came just days after a woman lost £1,700 in a similar con where she was contacted by fraudsters purporting to be from HMRC and Northumbria Police.

Det Sgt Philip Thoburn, of Northumbria Police’ Complex Fraud Investigation Unit, said: “Often offenders will go to great lengths to try and extract money from unsuspecting people and try and convince you they are from a legitimate company or government organisation.

“Do not be rushed and double check what the caller is telling you. Make sure you ask where they say they are calling from, take names, numbers and information. If you are ever unsure whether a caller is legitimate – hang up and use a trusted phone number or website to verify the information they gave you.

“The police, law enforcement and other government organisations will never coldcall you and ask you to send, withdraw or transfer money into our accounts and we will never threaten to arrest you for not doing this.”

For more information, or to report an incident call ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040 or go to https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/