In recent years, a wave of fraudulent phone calls claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been sweeping across the UK. One number, in particular, has been repeatedly flagged by victims: 01618503813. The stories shared by those who have received these calls paint a troubling picture of deception and distress.
A Pattern of Deception
The scam typically begins with an automated message or a live caller claiming to be from HMRC. The caller often alleges that the recipient owes a significant amount of money in unpaid taxes and threatens immediate legal action, including arrest warrants and frozen bank accounts, if payment is not made promptly.
One victim, who received a call on 12th June 2018, reported that the caller claimed their house was under surveillance. This alarming statement was enough to send shivers down their spine, prompting them to warn their loved ones about the scam.
Another victim, whose elderly mother was targeted on 15th May 2017, shared how the caller reduced her to tears by accusing her of defrauding HMRC. The caller even had the audacity to ask her to call back once she had “regained her composure.” When the family tried to return the call, it went straight to voicemail, a common tactic used by scammers to avoid detection.
Preying on the Vulnerable
The scammers seem to have a particular knack for targeting the elderly. On 18th April 2017, a 90-year-old man was told he owed £1,1682.00 in unpaid taxes and was instructed to purchase iTunes cards from Tesco or PC World to settle the debt. The emotional toll on an elderly individual receiving such a call is immeasurable, and the financial implications could be devastating.
Similarly, on 6th April 2017, an 80-year-old woman was left terrified by a call from the same number. Her son expressed his frustration, saying, “I would like to see whoever is behind this in a dark alley or behind bars.”
A Call to Action
Many victims have taken to reporting these calls to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. One victim, who received a call on 6th April 2017, reported the incident to Action Fraud, which is currently investigating the matter. However, the sheer volume of these calls suggests that more needs to be done to combat this growing menace.
On 8th April 2017, another victim urged others to report the scam to Action Fraud, stating, “The more reports the better the outcome hopefully will be.” This sentiment is echoed by many who believe that collective action is the key to stopping these fraudsters in their tracks.
The Government’s Role
There is a growing call for the government and law enforcement agencies to take more decisive action against these scams. One victim, who received a call on 8th April 2017, expressed their frustration, saying, “It’s about time the Government & Police did something about these worrying phone calls.”
The scam is not unique to the UK. On 5th April 2017, a victim noted that a similar scam is happening in the US, where callers claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This international dimension adds another layer of complexity to the issue, highlighting the need for a coordinated global response.
Protecting Yourself
The advice from those who have experienced these calls is clear: do not engage. On 5th April 2017, a victim advised, “Don’t press 1,” referring to the instruction given by the automated message to speak to a case worker. Another victim, who received a call on 4th April 2017, simply hung up, stating, “You think I’m stupid?”
HMRC has repeatedly stated that they will never contact individuals by phone to demand immediate payment or ask for personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, it is crucial to report it to Action Fraud and inform HMRC directly.
Conclusion
The phone number 01618503813 has become synonymous with a distressing and widespread scam that preys on the fears and vulnerabilities of its victims. While many have taken steps to report these calls and raise awareness, the fight against these fraudsters is far from over. It is imperative that both individuals and authorities remain vigilant and proactive in tackling this issue head-on.
For now, the best defence is awareness. Spread the word, protect your loved ones, and remember: if it sounds too threatening to be true, it probably is.