Countywide – Warning after attempted HMRC phone fraud
Police are reminding residents to be alert for telephone scams after an attempted fraud was foiled in the Ipswich area. 
The incident occurred on Wednesday 9 May when the victim received a call from a person purporting to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), stating that he was being investigated for an historic tax fraud. 
The suspect then told the victim that as he had failed to respond to letters he had been sent in the post, court proceedings would now begin against him unless he made an immediate cash payment in excess of £4,000, which would be collected by an agent. 
The victim went to his bank in Ipswich to withdraw the money, during which time his wife became suspicious about the call and contacted the police. Officers attended the bank and also the victim’s address and ensured that no money was handed over, speaking to the suspect on the phone when he called back and informing him that the matter had been reported to the police. 
Suffolk Constabulary are reminding residents that HMRC will never make phone calls, use text messages or email to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty and will never ask for a cash payment in this way. 
For advice on keeping yourself safe against scams, please visit: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z. 
For more information on this type of crime do visit: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/alert-fraudsters-claiming-to-be-from-hmrc-jun17 
Alternatively, report incidents of fraud to Action Fraud using their online reporting tool http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 1232040. 
 
You can also sign up to the Trading Standards weekly email alert on rogues and scams targeting Suffolk at www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight 
 

Help us keep our communities safe.
Police advice on a variety of subjects can be accessed via  https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice
To report something, or to otherwise contact Police, use the link http://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us 
To report something anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 
Alternatively call 101 for non-urgent matters.
Always call 999 in emergencies, or if an immediate police response is required.

Police Connect Team