Scammers impersonate HMRC investigation staff

Scammers are trying to exploit contractors’ biggest fear – an investigation from HMRC.

In fact, according to a charity, voicemails claiming to come from the tax office are being left on the phones of taxpayers, claiming they are under a probe for the non-payments of taxes.

The message states that the taxpayer needs to call a certain phone number to discuss their situation “straight away”, said the charity the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group.

But if taxpayers call the number, they get invited to provide their bank details in order to make the payment of ‘taxes,’ seemingly into an account controlled by the scammers.

“HMRC sometimes use phone calls or automated messages but are unlikely to contact you about a matter such as this out of the blue,” said LITRG, which added that genuine (and existing) tax enquiries usually cite an HMRC reference number.

“If you receive a suspicious cold call, end it immediately. Call HMRC directly to check if it was a genuine call – you can confirm the official call centre numbers on Gov.uk.”

The group explained that the scammers impersonating HMRC appeared to be targeting the unsuspecting, and individuals “who will likely be panicked by such a message.”