Ilyas Patel Accountants in Preston
Ilyas Patel Accountants in Preston
In the digital age, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, and HMRC scams are no exception.
Imagine receiving a call, seemingly from HMRC, threatening you with legal action over unpaid taxes.
This is what happened to Sanela Lukanovic, who almost lost £3,400.
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HMRC scams have surged, with 209,361 reported cases in the 12 months leading to March, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. November alone saw 36,443 reported scams.
This rise correlates with the deteriorating service quality at HMRC, making it harder for victims to verify the legitimacy of communications.
Experts suggest that inefficiencies at HMRC are providing fraudsters with more opportunities.
Between August 2022 and March 2024, about 20% of callers—1.42 million—gave up before reaching an agent.
Consumer champion Martyn James emphasises that improved efficiency at HMRC could drastically reduce the success of these scams.
Sanela Lukanovic, a 52-year-old self-employed life coach from Petersfield, experienced this first-hand.
She received a call informing her of a supposed debt to HMRC, threatening legal action.
Initially, the call seemed genuine, but when the caller instructed her to download a banking app to make a payment, she sensed something was wrong and ended the call.
Such scams often involve fraudsters posing as HMRC representatives to extract money and personal information.
They may contact you via phone, text, email, or even letters, often using scare tactics or promises of refunds to lure you in.
It can be challenging to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent communications. Here are some key indicators of a scam:
If you receive a suspicious communication:
HMRC is working to combat these scams by collaborating with Ofcom and phone companies to block malicious calls and by removing phishing websites.
They have seen some success, dropping from the 16th to the 126th most phished brand globally.
Despite these efforts, consumer rights groups believe more should be done.
They recommend the government set up a dedicated scams helpline and provide more comprehensive information online.
Additionally, a recorded message on HMRC’s automated system could offer guidance about potential scams.
HMRC scams are a growing threat, exploiting inefficiencies in the tax office to prey on unsuspecting individuals.
Awareness and vigilance are crucial. Always verify any communication claiming to be from HMRC, report suspicious activity, and consult official sources before taking action.
At Ilyas Patel Accountants, we understand the complexities and stress these scams can cause.
We’re experienced in helping with all lines of communication with HMRC, as well as telling the difference between genuine communication and fraud.
For tailored advice and assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – give us a call on 01772 788200, or fill in our contact form here.
For tailored advice and assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – give us a call on 01772 788200, or fill out our form here
Kind regards,
Ilyas Patel