Police are urging residents to be alert for telephone scams following reports that a number of residents have been contacted by a caller claiming to be from the tax office, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), this week.
Do you know❓
The phone is the main route used by fraudsters to get into the homes and lives of people (Nationally)
✅ Stop all telephone fraud, regardless of who they say they are:
Cold call from any business?
Go #tell2 https://t.co/TzadS5fViw
— Tony Murray – National Protect Officer (@CityPoliceTell2) March 15, 2018
Fraudsters are typically contacting the elderly, intimidating victims with threats of arrest for alleged outstanding debts or unpaid taxes in their name.
Warning⚠️: The phone is the number 1 route used to target people nationally.#HangUp on all cold calls from business and organsations, it could be a fraudster, then #TakeFive and verify the call via a trusted method. Inform others, start with #Tell2.
— Tony Murray – National Protect Officer (@CityPoliceTell2) March 15, 2018
Police are thanking those who have reported the incidents and remind members of the public that HMRC will never make phone calls, use text messages or email to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty and will never ask for payment in this way.
Help protect your community from fraud. A little can change a lot, it starts with #tell2.
Go and #tell2, #TogetherBetter
Did you know? A fraudster can keep the home phone line open for up to 10 secs after you hang up,and even spoof a dial tone!
#HangUp #Takefive, verify pic.twitter.com/yRgIK3NuNX
— Tony Murray – National Protect Officer (@CityPoliceTell2) March 15, 2018
For more information on this type of crime do visit: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/alert-fraudsters-claiming-to-be-from-hmrc-jun17
Alternatively, report incidents of fraud to Action Fraud using their online reporting tool http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 1232040.
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