In recent years, the scams that are claimed to be HMRC scams have become ever more sophisticated, with fraudsters posing as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs officials in order to trick victims into making an urgent payment. If you have received a call or text message, and you did not expect to be receiving a contact claiming to be HMRC, chances are you may be the victim of a scam.
How do HMRC scams work?
These scams normally begin with a call or automated message declaring to be HMRC or the Supreme Court. Victims are demanded to press a number (most often 1) to talk to an official. The fraudsters often use a technique called caller ID spoofing where it appears to the victim that the call is coming from the official HMRC number.
Once on the line, the scammer might threaten you with legal action, provide you with an arrest warrant or seizure of your passport, etc. They typically will struggle to convince you that you owe taxes and that in order to halt action at that moment, you must pay immediately.
As if to support the credibility of their scam, fraudsters then send victims forged documents with the HMRC logos via WhatsApp containing your name and case details. Victims are coerced to transfer money into their personal banking accounts with explanations that it belongs to the case handler.
What are the Warning Signs of an HMRC Scam?
- An unexpected call or message – claims of urgency
- Threats of arrest or legal action
- Pressure for immediate payment
- Requesting you pay into personal or suspicious banking accounts
- Sending fake official documents via WhatsApp
What Should You Do?
If you have received this call, hang up immediately and bedeck a moment, then contact HMRC directly at 0300 200 3300 for more information. It is always best not to ever provide personal or banking information by telephone unless you are confident of the identity of the caller.
Have You Fallen Victim to a Scam?
Whether it’s a cryptocurrency fraud, fake investment scheme, phishing attack, or online impersonation, you are not alone and you can take action.
At Lycan Retrieve, we specialize in helping scam victims reclaim what’s rightfully theirs. Our team understands the emotional and financial toll scams can take, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us for a free consultation
Let us help you regain control, restore your confidence, and pursue justice.
Don’t wait-protect your future and fight back against fraud.
Contact Lycan Retrieve today.
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