Milton Keynes Trading Standards have issued a warning to residents.
MK Trading Standards say they have been in contact with a resident that lost £20,000 to a HMRC scam.
A spokesperson wrote: "Unfortunately this week, we have spoken to a resident who has lost £20,000 to a HMRC scam. Payments have been made by transferring gift card codes & bitcoin to the criminals."
Unfortunately this week, we have spoken to a resident who has lost £20,000 to a HMRC scam. Payments have been made by transferring gift card codes & bitcoin to the criminals. Please report scams to us on 0808 2231133. For further advice visit:https://t.co/BPebzONZvS@mkcouncil
— MK Trading Standards (@MiltonKeynesTS) March 4, 2022
They have told residents to turn to Action Fraud for advice on avoiding these type of scams.
Action Fraud say scammers have been contacting victims claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Fraudsters are reportedly tricking people into paying bogus debts and taxes using iTunes gift cards.
They say: "Fraudsters like iTunes gift cards to collect money from victims because they can be easily redeemed and easily sold on."
HMRC would never issue a text regarding tax rebate, a penalty or ever ask for payment in this way. Action Fraud warn that telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed.
If you think you are a victim to a scam, you can report fraud and cyber crime through Action Fraud and receive a police crime reference number.
