The HMRC tax scam is a popular one used by scammers trying to exploit people
Some of the most commonly reported HMRC scams include the following
- An automated message saying that HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you. You are asked to press 1 to be connected to a caseworker which is normally a scammer based in India.
- A cold caller telling you that you are being charged with tax fraud. In order to avoid court action you are asked to send a copy of your passport and to pay over £1,000
- An automated message saying that your National Insurance number has been compromised or is invalid. You are asked to press 1 to speak to an ‘advisor’ where you will be transferred to the scammer.
- An automated message purportedly from a criminal agency, saying that your National Insurance number is going to be suspended and your assets seized. The message asks you to press 1 to stop your assets being seized.
- A cold caller saying that you owe up to £500 in unpaid tax and will be arrested in a couple of hours if you don’t pay immediately. You may be asked to make the payment in vouchers or prepaid cards for Amazon or Google Play
Scam Advice
- Cross-check all HMRC communication with the official list at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/check-a-list-of-genuine-hmrc-contacts
- Do not press 1 or follow any other instructions given in an automated message
- Do not click on any links included in the email, text message, Whatsapp, or Facebook message
- Never give anyone money or give out your bank account details
- Call the HRMC directly at https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
- Report the scam at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-website