Current Scams
Posted on 3rd August 2020 at 16:21
Hi Everyone, there are some awful scams going round at the moment. I have listed 2 of them below but we are aware of a lot more scammers trying to get your money. If you receive any of these calls, please can you report it to Action Fraud with any information that you have i.e. telephone numbers that they called you from, accent, names etc. so they are aware of what scams are going round. Also if you know any vulnerable or elderly residents who don’t have access to social media or emails, please can you warn them to simply hang up and to say that they will report them to the police. Here is the link for Action Fraud… https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
1. Spoof HMRC phone calls
Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls and voicemails, to members of the public purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
• Fraudsters are spoofing genuine HMRC telephone numbers to deceive their victims over the phone. The fraudsters state that as a result of the victim’s non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable for prosecution or other legal proceedings in order to settle the balance. The fraudsters suggest victims can avoid this, by arranging payment to be made immediately by methods such as bank transfer or by purchasing iTunes gift cards.
• If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, sending bailiffs to the victim’s address or, in some cases, deportation.
• Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact with the victim.
• In genuine cases, HMRC will initially make direct contact with you via post/letter and potentially follow up that letter with a phone call at a later date.
• If HMRC contact you via telephone they will quote the reference number on the initial letter you should have received. HMRC will not discuss something you are not already aware of, like a tax investigation, and will NOT demand immediate payment.
Take action
• Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
• Legitimate organisations wouldn’t ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re likely the target of a scam
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
• Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, you can report this as phishing to Action Fraud
2. Scam warning: Santander security email
• Be extremely wary of links and attachments and never enter your banking details after clicking on a link. ...
• Watch out for language such as 'you must act'
• Phone the organisation the email or text purports to be from if you're in any doubt on its official number, which you can find on its website.
The email could look like this: →
Some of the latest scams and advice from the Age Uk website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/our-services/latest-scams/
Take care out there and look out for each other.
Regards
Arlene
PCSO C1018 Arlene Ormston
Milton Keynes Rural North Neighbourhood Team
Email: arlene.ormston@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
Mob: 07815 590 756
Tagged as: Crime Prevention
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