Police issue warning over HMRC Telephone scam

North Wales Police are warning the public about a telephone scam they have become aware of which has claimed at least one victim in Flintshire.

The particular fraud involves unsolicited telephone calls telling people they are owed £3,000 by HM Government but in order to claim this amount, they need to purchase iTunes cards from W.H. Smith.

Serial Numbers from the iTunes cards are then passed to scammers over the phone who then use the details to purchase high-value items.

Calls are thought to have been made from abroad and W.H Smith are aware of the scam.

At least one lady, aged in her 80s and from Mold, has been affected locally.

Police say enquiries are currently on-going.

PC Alan Anderson from Mold Police Station says;

“If you receive a telephone call from someone asking you to purchase iTunes cards from W.H Smith, end the call immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.”

He also offers this advice:

• Do not give personal details including banking details to anyone you do not know following unexpected requests for money made either in the street, on the doorstep, over the telephone or internet as these details can be used to steal your identity.
• Beware of cold calls even when the caller appears to have personal information such as your address or bank account details. Legitimate callers will never be offended if you ask to call back in order to confirm their identity.
• When doing so always use a phone number that you have obtained from previous correspondence or an independent source such as phone book or an official website.
• If you want to call your bank, then do so from another telephone or visit your local branch.
• If you have lost money call your local police on 101.

Police are encouraging members of the public to use social networking to get this message out to as wide an audience as possible.

The more people who know about it the less chance there is of them becoming a victim.