Beware of threatening phone calls from fake HMRC agents…

ByCraig Haley

UK readers are advised to be aware of a spate of scam phone calls that claim to be from the HMRC informing the call recipient that a lawsuit has been filed against them.

A series of phone numbers are being used in the scam, including 02036379856, that play a pre-recorded message when answered. That message urges the listener to call the phone number (or as the message claims, the HMRC Hotline) since a lawsuit has been filed in the listener’s name. In a sample of the message, the scammer identifies themselves as Officer Steven White.

However, as most recipients of this call would have deduced, this is a scam. Those who call the number back are connected with a scammer posing as an “agent” from the HMRC (the UK government’s body that deals with taxation) who proceeds to threaten the caller with fines and even jail unless the caller makes an immediate payment to “rid” the lawsuit.


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In many cases, victims have reported that the scammer implores the victim pay for the “fine” with gift cards and vouchers.

Needless to say, there is no lawsuit or money owed, and the scammer isn’t from the HMRC. These types of phone scams prey on the elderly or more vulnerable who may not be able to determine that they are being scammed.

The HMRC does not make such threatening calls, and will never leave recipients with pre-recorded messages like this. And, of course, the HMRC doesn’t request people pay fines with gift cards or vouchers. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the HMRC from their official website where they have their genuine contact information. Don’t call back numbers that are left to you on suspicious pre-recorded messages.

If you get a call or voicemail with such a message, simply disregard it and do not call the number provided.

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