Beware of calls from HMRC

ACTION Fraud says it has reported an increase in the reports of fraudulent calls, voicemails, text messages and emails purporting to be from HMRC.

These impostors claim that the victim has not paid tax, or a similar financial duty, and therefore is liable to prosecution or other similar legal proceeding, such as repossession of belongings to settle the balance.

The hoaxster then continues to say that the victim can avoid prosecution by immediately paying the caller, through bank transfer or iTunes gift cards.

If the member of the public hesitates or refuses to comply, the suspect threatens immediate arrest, bailiffs or, if the victim appears to be of overseas origin, deportation.

The caller often refers to a tax which was due a fair amount of time in the past, so that the victim cannot verify the caller’s claims. Once the money is paid, the suspects will sever all contact.

HMRC said it has emphasised that the public must always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information – knowing your basic contact details and name, does not mean they are genuine.

It says you should contact the company directly using trusted methods such as known email address or phone number.

No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using vouchers nor expect you to make a financial transaction there and then.

If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).