I wasn't going to make a topic about this, I am taking a break from TSR after all ...but the amount of scamming online and now by phone has just become ridiculous now.
anyways, this a warning about the rise in scamming going on.
I've just been phoned up, and a message played to me saying it's HRMC and they have a fraud investigation raised in my name, and that I must press 1 on the keyboard now to connect to one of their staff or I will be arrested.
I pressed 1, was put on hold. An Indian sounding guy eventually answered. He first asked me why I had called (I found this odd). I then told him about the phone call. He then asked for my name. He then had a look at his computer and gave some reason about fraud being on my tax returns and started asking if i do them myself or have an account. Again I am suspicious as I am not self employed or anything. He then asks me about my employment. I make up a half lie ...to see if he will call me on it. He doesn't.
Shortly after he just hangs up the phone on me.
Before that in the background I could hear talking. He sounded like he was in a call centre. All the voices sounded Indian.
I very much suspect this was a scam.
For starters a Real HRMC person investigating fraud would not just hang up on someone like that.
All the details I gave them was my Name basically, and some false employment details so I doubt they can do much.
I am also constantly getting emails and texts from scammers pretending to be netflix, EE, my bank etc saying they have suspended my account, or they can't verify my details etc, or I need to contact them to avoid charges....
Even 5 years ago, there never used to be this much scamming. There's been a huge increase. and they're definitely getting better at it. I didn't start getting netflix scams until i had created a netflix account. somehow they are knowing what services you sign upto, but obviously lack the passwords.
In the past scams used to be more obvious, eg: dodgy looking urls, broken english, claiming for stuff you're not even signed upto ...but they are getting better at it.
so watch out!