Menu
13/11/2024
County Down Woman Loses £4,000 In HMRC Impersonation Scam
The Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service (TSS) is urging the public to be vigilant against financial scams after a County Down woman lost over £4,000 to an HMRC impersonation scam.
In this particular case, the victim received a convincing phone call from an individual claiming to be from HMRC, accusing her of unpaid tax. The fraudster, employing a sophisticated tactic, even involved a second caller posing as a police officer, further pressuring the victim.
Fearful of the consequences, the woman transferred £4,000 to the scammers. Unfortunately, she later discovered that she had fallen victim to a scam and was unable to recover the funds through her bank.
The victim, who was going through a difficult time, experienced significant emotional distress as a result of the incident. She eventually contacted TSS, who assisted her in raising a complaint with her bank and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
Following an investigation, the bank agreed to refund the victim's loss, including interest and compensation.
TSS is reminding the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls and emails, especially those that demand immediate payment or personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organisation directly using a verified phone number or email address.
The victim hopes that by sharing her story she can prevent others from experiencing the same distress. The victim commented: "I wanted to tell my story to prevent this happening to someone else. I'm very happily surprised at the result and would like to thank TSS for all their support and help, it wouldn't have been possible without them. It's a big deal for me, not just about the money but the emotional impact."
Yasmin Johnstone of the TSS said: "This scam was highly convincing particularly as they had cloned the genuine telephone number of a local police station and this serves as a stark reminder of the tactics used by scammers to exploit an individual's fears and trust. If you receive a similar call do not make any payments or share personal information. Instead, contact the organisation directly using verified contact details."
TSS offers the following tips and advice to help avoid falling victim to similar scams:
• Be sceptical of unexpected calls/texts/emails that ask for personal information or payment.
• HMRC, Banks, Government Departments or the Police Service of Northern Ireland will never demand immediate payment, personal details or threaten arrest over the phone.
• Never provide remote access or download any apps to your mobile or computer at the request of a caller.
• Report any suspicious calls or messages to Action Fraud, the UK's National Fraud and Cybercrime reporting center on 0300 123 2040
For further advice or to check if TSS may be able to assist if you have lost money to a scam, contact our Consumerline Team on: 0300 123 6262 or consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk
In this particular case, the victim received a convincing phone call from an individual claiming to be from HMRC, accusing her of unpaid tax. The fraudster, employing a sophisticated tactic, even involved a second caller posing as a police officer, further pressuring the victim.
Fearful of the consequences, the woman transferred £4,000 to the scammers. Unfortunately, she later discovered that she had fallen victim to a scam and was unable to recover the funds through her bank.
The victim, who was going through a difficult time, experienced significant emotional distress as a result of the incident. She eventually contacted TSS, who assisted her in raising a complaint with her bank and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
Following an investigation, the bank agreed to refund the victim's loss, including interest and compensation.
TSS is reminding the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls and emails, especially those that demand immediate payment or personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organisation directly using a verified phone number or email address.
Yasmin Johnstone of the TSS said: "This scam was highly convincing particularly as they had cloned the genuine telephone number of a local police station and this serves as a stark reminder of the tactics used by scammers to exploit an individual's fears and trust. If you receive a similar call do not make any payments or share personal information. Instead, contact the organisation directly using verified contact details."
TSS offers the following tips and advice to help avoid falling victim to similar scams:
• Be sceptical of unexpected calls/texts/emails that ask for personal information or payment.
• HMRC, Banks, Government Departments or the Police Service of Northern Ireland will never demand immediate payment, personal details or threaten arrest over the phone.
• Never provide remote access or download any apps to your mobile or computer at the request of a caller.
• Report any suspicious calls or messages to Action Fraud, the UK's National Fraud and Cybercrime reporting center on 0300 123 2040
For further advice or to check if TSS may be able to assist if you have lost money to a scam, contact our Consumerline Team on: 0300 123 6262 or consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
15 November 2024
Man Extradited From US Over Historical Child Sex Abuse
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
Man Extradited From US Over Historical Child Sex Abuse
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
29 October 2019
Co Antrim Man Scammed Out Of £60k
The public is urged to be wary after a Co Antrim man was scammed out of £60,000 last week. The telephone scam is one of two recent incidents that prompted the call for vigilance. Police also released details of email fraud in Co Armagh costing another man over £12,000.
Co Antrim Man Scammed Out Of £60k
The public is urged to be wary after a Co Antrim man was scammed out of £60,000 last week. The telephone scam is one of two recent incidents that prompted the call for vigilance. Police also released details of email fraud in Co Armagh costing another man over £12,000.
05 February 2008
Scam Scam, and More Scam As NI Loses Millions
Over £100 million is lost in Northern Ireland every year from scams, according to government research. Every year, thousands of bargain hungry consumers fall victim to mass marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.
Scam Scam, and More Scam As NI Loses Millions
Over £100 million is lost in Northern Ireland every year from scams, according to government research. Every year, thousands of bargain hungry consumers fall victim to mass marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be mainly dry and bright day with some sunshine, perhaps an isolated shower around the coast. Chilly with a frost at first and the odd fog patch. Cloud thickening in the west by dusk. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Outbreaks of rain during this evening. Becoming mainly dry with clearing skies overnight with a frost possible along with icy patches. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
