Fraudsters pretending to be from HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) are expanding their unscrupulous activities. After years of sending out fake emails, they are now calling unsuspecting individuals and, in some cases, duping them into making payments.
The most recent telephone scam involves an automated message that starts “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.” The message then provides a list of options, such as “To speak to your case officer, press one”. Choosing any option will invariably result in the same outcome, namely someone trying to talk you out of your money.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from HMRC, encouraging you to provide bank account or personal details for alleged tax debts, you should first attempt to verify the caller’s identity. If you are unable to do that, you should not disclose your personal details – the best course of action is to simply hang up.