Downpatrick Woman Targeted In HMRC Cold-Caller Scam

A woman from Downpatrick has narrowly missed falling victim to a doorstep fraud attempt.

Scamwiseni reported that a female cold caller arrived at the woman's house claiming to be from HMRC and informed the woman she owed £1,345 in tax.

The would-be victim was threatened with repossession of her personal items if she did not pay the money.

After handing over a cheque, the suspicious victim called HMRC directly and verified that there was no representative planned to attend her house that day. Aware of the scam attempt, the woman cancelled the cheque and did not lose the money.

Following the foiled theft, scamwiseni have issued a warning to the public. In the event of a cold caller, people should always ask for ID and phone the company to verify the claim.

According to advice on doorstep fraud issued by nidirect, so-called tradespeople can present themselves in a variety of forms including:

• pressure selling

• fake charity collections

• selling you unfair or unsuitable contracts

• overpriced or poor quality home maintenance or improvements

• potential thieves checking out your valuables once inside your home.

Banks and insurance policies may on some occasions cover any loss incurred, but victims are still often hit with a damaged credit rating, continued correspondence over a long period to repair the damage and the emotional distress and anxiety that theft can cause.



(JG/CM)