A leading Suffolk accountancy firm has warned of the dangers of scam callers – as fraudsters’ schemes become more sophisticated.
Andrew Diver, Head of Tax at Beatons Group, based in Ipswich, said one client had almost handed a six-figure sum to fraudsters after being tricked by an email address one letter different from a reputable organisation.
He added he has received an increase in calls from worried clients who have been contacted by fraudsters claiming to be from the HMRC.
He said: “These calls pretending to be from HMRC include an official-sounding recorded message, threatening legal action if they do not respond.
“I regularly have clients saying they have received these scams, thankfully we have been able to advise them they are not genuine and to cease contact.
“Over the years, these scams have become much more sophisticated and often look like the real thing.
“One client very nearly handed over a significant amount of money to fraudsters posing as a genuine company – with just a one letter difference in the email address.
“It is easy, with the busy lives most of us have, to overlook these things.”
HMRC handled more than 1.1million referrals due to suspicious activity last year, with more than 570,000 offering bogus tax rebates.
Fraudsters often target elderly or vulnerable people, with Age UK reporting that 43% of people over the age of 65 have been targeted by scammers.
Mr Diver said: “If you receive a call, text or email you suspect is a scam you should not supply any personal information.
“The HMRC will never call you about a claim you are unaware of – and will never threaten legal action in a voice message.
“The best thing to do is cease contact, look up a genuine phone number for the organisation and call that.
“A genuine company will not mind you confirming they are who they say they are – in fact, they will be happy you double-checked.”
You can report any incidents of fraud to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
