Scam calls about tax evasion and avoidance investigation
17 October 2017
We have been made aware of an apparent scam in which someone calls purporting to be from HMRC, telling the individual that they are being investigated for tax evasion and avoidance.
The bogus caller is reported to be saying that they are telephoning because they have had a complaint about you and you are being investigated for tax evasion and avoidance. The fraudster is then saying that this will lead to prosecution action taken through the courts and to not ignore this message and that you must ask your lawyer to contact them immediately on a specified number.
We would encourage anyone who receives such a call to report it to HMRC. If you are an agent we would encourage you to warn your clients about this scam call.
We know of the following numbers that have been used to make some of these calls so if you have caller ID we would strongly recommend that you don’t answer the call.
- 0203 279 9120
- 0203 289 8210
- 0203 807 4351
- 0203 290 7104
Please report any misleading websites, emails, phone numbers, phone calls or text messages you think may be suspicious.
As with any other scam emails or communications HMRC warn against you giving out private information such as bank details or passwords, replying to text messages, downloading attachments or clicking on any links in emails if you are not absolutely certain they are genuine.