Watch Out: That HMRC scam targeting Flintshire pensioners is back…..again!

A warning has gone out once again of scammers contacting victims claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that trick people into paying bogus debts and taxes using iTunes gift cards.

• Fraudsters are contacting the elderly and vulnerable claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs.
• Victims are being told they have arrest warrants, outstanding debts or unpaid taxes in their name.
• The fraudsters are asking victims to purchase iTunes gift cards as payment.
• There are a variety of methods being used including calls, texts and voicemails.

Over the weekend there have been a number of calls to elderly persons in the Wrexham and Flintshire areas purporting to be from the HMRC according to an update from owl.co.uk – Online Watch Link Association

Victims are being contacted in a variety of methods by fraudsters claiming to be from HMRC and are being told they owe an outstanding debt.

In most cases they ask for payment in iTunes gift card voucher codes.

Fraudsters like iTunes gift cards to collect money from victims because they can be easily redeemed and easily sold on.

The scammers don’t need the physical card to redeem the value and instead get victims to read out the serial code on the back over the phone.

The Tax office will not phone people at home demanding money and expect a payment via ITunes.

Bogus HM Revenue and Customs contact examples – click here