South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards would like to reiterate a warning issued by the Police about a telephone scam affecting people in South Gloucestershire.
The following notice has been published on the Avon and Somerset Police website:
‘Today, Wednesday 16 November, police have been made aware of a number of calls to residents of the village from people claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in which householders were told they could go to prison if they did not immediately pay an outstanding tax debt.
Action Fraud issued a warning about the scam, in which people are sometimes told to pay their tax with iTunes vouchers, in May 2016.
Neighbourhood PC Daniel Jones said: “HMRC will never ask for payment in vouchers. If you get this sort of unexpected call end it immediately. If you are concerned about your tax status, contact HMRC directly using details from www.gov.uk, the phone book, or HMRC correspondence you know to be genuine.
“Never phone an unexpected caller back on the number displayed when they call, or any number they give you. Always check the correct number for the organisation they claim to be from through an accredited source like the phone book.”
If you believe you have been contacted by a fraudster, report it and receive a police crime reference number by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.’
Alternatively, you can report a scam telephone call through the Action Fraud website www.actionfraud.police.uk
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