More residents in Hertfordshire lose money to HMRC scams

Police are warning residents to stay vigilant following further reports of scam phone calls and text messages which appeared to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Fourteen elderly and vulnerable victims were contacted by the fraudsters claiming to be the HMRC over the last few weeks.

The victims were told there were outstanding debts or unpaid taxes in their names. The offenders then asked the victims to make bank transfers as payment.

Victims were targeted in the Hatfield, Hertford and Watford areas and a total loss more than £38,000 has been reported so far.

The fraudsters cold call victims using a spoofed number, sometimes leaving voicemail messages claiming that they owe unpaid tax to HMRC.

The victims are asked to call back on the number provided, through which they are told that there is a warrant out in their name and if they do not pay, the police will arrest them.

The victims are also sometimes contacted via text messages asking them to urgently call the number provided.

Detective Inspector Rob Burns, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “Fraudsters are continuing to target elderly and vulnerable people and sometimes even use the threat of arrest to frighten them into making bank transfers or buying gift cards or vouchers.

“It’s important to remember that government official and police officers will never contact you in these ways or ask you to buy gift cards or vouchers, withdraw money, purchase goods or hand over private banking details.

“Please help us to raise awareness by talking about this with your friends and family, especially if they are vulnerable or elderly.”

How to protect yourself:

- HMRC will never use texts to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty or ever ask for payment in this way

- Telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. You should never trust the number you see on your telephone display

- If you receive a suspicious cold call, end it immediately.

Hertfordshire Police offers the following advice on recognising fraud:

- Be sceptical of callers, even those who claim to be officials

- Don’t be afraid to put the phone down with a brief ‘No, thank you’

- NEVER give personal information, such as your date of birth or bank details, to unexpected callers

- Remember that the police or your bank would never unexpectedly call you and ask you to withdraw cash or move your money to another account, as a result of fraud or any other reason

- If callers suggest you call your local police or bank to check who they are, use another phone or ensure the line has been fully disconnected by phoning a friend or relative first, or by waiting at least five minutes, otherwise you may think you’ve phoned a number, but you’re simply talking to the fraudsters again. This is a common fraudsters’ tactic

- If a caller asks you to type your bank PIN number into your telephone handset - do not do this, as fraudsters can use technology to identify the numbers

- You can opt out of many cold calls by registering for free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

If you believe that you are a victim of this scam call Hertfordshire Police on 101, using a different phone to that used to communicate with the fraudsters.

For more advice on avoiding scams visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk or www.herts.police.uk/protectyourmoney for advice on avoiding scams.