Hampshire County Council – Scams Bulletin January 2019

The purpose of this scams bulletin is to enable Hampshire residents to be aware, and therefore guard against the type of scams currently being reported to Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) scam

The Trading Standards Service is warning Hampshire residents about receiving an unsolicited telephone call, voicemail, text message or email from someone claiming to be from HMRC. It has been reported that the perpetrator may use threats asking for unpaid taxes or an outstanding debt to be settled. On some occasions the fraudster will use technology so that an official HMRC number will show on the caller display, tricking the resident into thinking this may be a genuine call. Invariably the scammer will ask for payment by bank card or cash transfer. It has also been reported that they may ask for payment in iTune gift cards which can easily be redeemed and sold on. Read the full article.

TV Licence Scams

Hampshire residents are warned to look out for emails or text messages that appear to be from TV Licensing. Scammers will use fake websites and email addresses, tricking unsuspecting victims to part with their money. Read the full article.

Courier Fraud

The Trading Standards Service has continued to receive reports that Hampshire residents are falling victim to ‘Courier Fraud’.

The fraud starts with an unsolicited telephone call from someone pretending to be from the bank, fraud investigation unit, Police or similar enforcement or official body. The caller may ask for card details and then send a taxi to pick up the bank card. They may also ask the victim to draw out cash which they will then come to collect.

Banking protocol provides that counter staff must be on the lookout for this type of fraud and must question a customer over any unusual transactions. However, a worrying development being reported to Trading Standards is that the fraudster will try to keep one step ahead of the banks by asking the victim to lie as to why they need the money.  Read the full article.

If you are worried about a potential scam please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 03454 04 05 06
Web site: Online consumer complaint form

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