"HMRC" telephone scam

[alison]

I have just received a phone call: an automated message purporting to be from HMRC claiming that they have launched an investigation into me, and that I should press 1 to speak to my "case officer".  I'm really concerned about this - someone could have a heart attack or something on hearing this - so thought I'd get the message out.

 

Incidentally, HMRC has a page on scams here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples

[John Mallinson]

Thanks for the warning.

[taxi4ballet]

From what I know (from a professional occupation point of view in case you were wondering!!) is that if HMRC decides to investigate somebody, the last thing they would want to do is tell them what is going on.

[alison]

My thought exactly, taxi!  Ludicrous, but enough to panic someone, no doubt.  HMRC has an address for you to report online scams to, but apparently not for anything "old-school".

[SMabbutt]

You can report telephone scams to Action Fraud http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/scam-phone-call-warning-feb11

[alison]

Thanks.  But I still don't see anything appropriate for reporting scam phone calls.  I did make a serious attempt to report it, but gave up when there weren't any appropriate options as far as I could see.

[Anon2]

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

 

I found this through Citizens Advice when my mother was targeted. They investigated and responded. 

[alison]

Tried that.  There were no appropriate options.

[taxi4ballet]

I've come to the conclusion that people are only going to phone for one reason. They want to get money out of you one way or another, either by selling something you don't want, a service you don't need, or they are just wanting to steal your cash.

 

They wouldn't be bothering otherwise.

Edited May 18, 2017 by taxi4ballet