Bro Famau Group

SCAM WARNING

Warning over HMRC phone call scam that could cost you money!

Potential victims receive an automated message warning them they are under investigation from HMRC over an unpaid bill

The taxman says it has seen a spike in the number of cases being reported to it recently - and is urging the public not to be fooled.

The scam sees people called randomly with an automated message warning that they are under investigation by HMRC and need to call the number given or "face serious legal consequences."

If you call back the crooks will likely ask for your bank details and make off with you cash.

This week Welsh MP David Davies issued a warning on his website after one of his elderly constituents was targeted.

Mr Davies, who has reported the matter to Action Fraud and HMRC, said: "I was concerned to hear that residents in the constituency are being targeted like this.

Other potential victims have taken to social media to check with HMRC if the call was genuine or not.

One wrote: "Just received an automated phone call stating I'm under investigation by HMRC and house being monitored.

"Googled number and it's not HMRC, is this a fraud?"

Another said: "I'm getting an automated call saying they're from HMRC giving a final warning - sounds like a scam."

A spokeswoman for HMRC said it was aware of the scam, with the elderly and vulnerable people generally the target.

She said: "They often involve people receiving a call out of the blue and being told that HMRC is investigating them. If you can’t verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.

"HMRC will call people about outstanding tax bills, and sometimes use automated messages, however it would include your taxpayer reference number.

"If you are uncertain of the caller, hang up and call HMRC directly to check – you can confirm our call centre numbers online if you are unsure.

Victims have lost an average of £1,150 due to the scam - which sees crooks cold-calling and telling them they owe HMRC large amounts of money which they can pay-off through digital vouchers and gift cards.

How to avoid being scammed

HERE are some tips about HMRC on how to avoid being taken in by the fraudsters.

Recognise the signs - Genuine organisations like banks and HMRC will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, password or bank details.

Stay safe - Don’t give out private information, reply to text messages, download attachments or click on links in emails you weren’t expecting.

Take action - Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and texts to 60599, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report any suspicious calls or use their  online fraud reporting tool.

Check - If you think you have received an HMRC related phishing/bogus email or text message, you can check it against the examples shown in this the guide on the HMRC website

Contact HMRC directly - You can find the list of genuine numbers to call HMRC on their official website.