Officers urge local residents to be wary of phone scams

Police are urging local people to be vigilant following reports of telephone scams.

Suffolk Constabulary has been informed that several residents have recently been contacted by a caller claiming to be from HMRC, stating that money was owed in unpaid tax and threatening arrest if the outstanding amount was not paid.

One victim was instructed to purchase iTunes vouchers and then telephone the fraudster back to give them the voucher serial numbers. Early indications are that an elderly woman has lost £1,500 to this scam.

HMRC will never use phone calls, texts or emails to tell people about tax rebates or penalties and will never ask for payment in this way.

Suffolk Constabulary is also asking businesses to brief staff about the scam, and for support to be offered to members of the public who request to purchase large amounts of iTunes or similar vouchers.

For advice on keeping yourself safe against scams, please visit suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z.