Warning by police after phone scam

Police have received a number of calls in south Cumbria regarding a scam which attempts to gain money from members of the public.
Scammers are calling people pretending to be from the HMRC.Scammers are calling people pretending to be from the HMRC.
Scammers are calling people pretending to be from the HMRC.

The telephone scam relates to a caller purporting to be a HMRC stating that prosecution action will be taken unless payment is made.

A Cumbria Constabulary spokesman said: “Our advice for such scams is to politely decline to hand over any money and to take the details of the caller and contact HMRC on 0870 280 2566 to check if it is an actual case or fraudulent.

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“The HMRC website states they would never use these methods to tell you about a tax rebate, a penalty or even to get personal payment information.

“We would like to advise the public to be wary of such scams.”

Anyone who comes across such a scam should contact Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.org.uk or contact the Action Fraud Hotline on 0300 123 2040 as they are the investigatory body for offences of this type.

You can report a fraud to Action Fraud by using their online fraud reporting tool by visiting www.actionfraud.org.uk and following the instructions.

You can also report other types of fraud including theft of a vehicle; suspicious online behaviour with or towards a child; online hate or bullying crime, material or messages.

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