Beware of a telephone scam supposedly HMRC threatening legal action | GaGaJoyJoy

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El Loro

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My accountancy institiute has alerted its members to warn others of this new telephone scam.

Telephone message left by hoax caller threatens an HMRC lawsuit

HMRC has asked us to alert people to a scam which is targeting taxpayers and seems to be aimed at the elderly in particular. We have been asked to share the following information:

‘There is currently a telephone scam where a recorded message is left, allegedly from HMRC, stating that HMRC are bringing a lawsuit against the individual and is going to sue them. The recipient is asked to phone 0161 8508494 and press “1” to speak to the officer dealing with the case. This scam is becoming widely reported and seems to be targeting older people. Please do not reply to the message.

‘HMRC takes security very seriously but you need to be alert. If you cannot verify the identity of the person making the call you should not disclose your personal details. You should report these incidents on the Action Fraud website, or you can call them on 0300 123 2050 (Please note this number will be charged at your normal network rate). They are open Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00.

‘To learn more about dealing with phishing and scams visit GOV.UK.’

Replies sorted oldest to newest

BazMember VIP10 years

Thanks El Loro ....

Yogi19Member 10 years

Thanks El, I'll warn my parents. thumb

Former Member

Thanks El Loro hug . Actually that sounds so plausible, even people who are normally wary, might let their guard down!

El LoroMember VIP10 yearsModerator

The 0161 phone number I mention above appears to be a Manchester phone number.

I suspect that the scammers have created what is called a virtual office. The virtual office doesn't really exist in Manchester, the scammers could be anywhere in the world. If you ring that number, it would be automatically forwarded to the scammers without you realising it. The scammers could also appear to have a genuine address in Manchester which they might tell you.

Genuine businesses do use virtual offices, but so do criminals.

7/12/1610:03 AM

El LoroMember VIP10 yearsModerator

I've had a letter from my brother this morning saying that he had a phone call from these scammers but he realised that it was a scam and so ignored it.

KayteeMember 10 years

I've had that one as well.....deleted and binned

7/19/1612:13 PM

~Sparkling Summer~Member 10 years

Thank you El, I'll be sure to pass that on to my mum too

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