HMRC scam warning

TRADING standards are warning people in Shetland about bogus tax refund emails pretending to come from HMRC.

Shetland Islands Council’s trading standards team leader David Marsh said scammers were “once again trying to trick people into releasing personal and financial details” shortly after the late January deadline for filing self-assessment tax returns.

“Search for ‘phishing’ on the official UK government website gov.uk, and you will find useful information and guidance on how to avoid and report scams such as this,” he said.

“We have also heard from several Shetland residents about recent phone calls looking for payment for telephone preference services. The official Telephone Preference Service does not charge for the registration of phone numbers, or for any aspect of the service which they offer.”

Marsh added: “I want to encourage anyone who has received a bogus email or scam call to report it to Action Fraud – you can use their online reporting tool at www.actionfraud.police.uk or phone 0300 123 2040.”