Warning after HMRC fraudsters target Shropshire
West Mercia Police is issuing advice to residents of Shropshire following attempted scams in the area.
These latest scams name Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
On Friday 1 July, a resident from Bridgnorth took a call from someone claiming to be from HMRC who told her that she owed more than £800 and would be taken to court.
The woman became suspicious and hung up, and then reported the incident to police. The man was described as having an Indian accent.
This follows an incident when a Telford resident received two text messages from someone claiming to be from the HMRC regarding a tax refund. The messages included a link to a website in order to obtain a refund.
Fortunately the man did not click the links, and reported them to officers.
Police are reminding residents that HMRC would not request payment up front, or details in order to process a refund. You can find out more about how to recognise genuine communications from HMRC at their website.
To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, remember the following:
-Never hand out any personal details over the phone.
-Remember that the genuine HMRC would never ask you to transfer money to them or send a courier to collect cash.
To find out more about how this type of scam works, or to report that you have been affected please visit the Action Fraud website.
