More Scams

[Pixbarmy]

Be aware folks that scammers are more active than ever. I recently looked at a vehicle for sale as a classified ad on Ebay. The numberplate was not visible, so I messaged the seller re the number to do an HPI check. He sent pics of the vehicle with the reg number showing. HPI checked out OK. The seller then suggested an ESKROW payment via a transport company (Shiply) which would "protect us both" so that I could check the vehicle over before the "Escrow" company released my funds to him. This can be a safe and legal way to operate. It is also a well known scam tactic as the seller usually gives you a legit looking internet address but links to the scammers. The vehicle in question was legit but the scammer was using the details unknown to the vehicle owner who was unaware of the photographs!!! Take care, be aware.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

I received what may or may not be a phishing email purporting to be a request from HMRC to check my tax code.

I became suspicious when I noted several live links among the text, even though the message closed with the, now usual, government warning never to click on links. I left it in my HMRC folder for further checking and this morning my wife received the genuine article sans live links. My version was promptly forwarded to the .gov phishing team and then deleted.

So take my old boss's advice and double check everything...

 

[nilagin]

When the government first started furlough payments and loans last year. A 2nd hand car dealer recieved a call from a potential customer wanting to buy one of his cars. All the information that the dealer supplied the customer to pay for the vehicle was used to raise a loan in the dealerships name. Fortunately the dealer realised what was happening and blocked the loan application and vehicle sale.

 

[boogie man]

I received what may or may not be a phishing email purporting to be a request from HMRC to check my tax code.

I became suspicious when I noted several live links among the text, even though the message closed with the, now usual, government warning never to click on links. I left it in my HMRC folder for further checking and this morning my wife received the genuine article sans live links. My version was promptly forwarded to the .gov phishing team and then deleted.

So take my old boss's advice and double check everything...

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HMRC always send notifications via post not text or email, so that will always be a warning that it’s a scam.

 

[Box Brownie]

HMRC always send notifications via post not text or email, so that will always be a warning that it’s a scam.

I am fairly sure on the HMRC portal you can select communication methods i.e post, email, text.

I choose only post......but I do get some genuine emails reminding me of a specific HMRC aspect that needs attention once a year, sort of belt & braces as I also get a letter

But for sure 100% be aware and wary of possible phishing emails and other such like emails

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

I am fairly sure on the HMRC portal you can select communication methods i.e post, email, text.

Yes.

I chose email but I'm very careful with all messages, not to mention web pages.