A phone number, 02079476139, has been linked to a series of alarming scam calls, leaving many people frightened and out of pocket. Reports suggest that fraudsters are using this number to impersonate officials from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the courts, threatening victims with arrest and imprisonment unless they pay fictitious debts.
How the Scam Works
The scam typically begins with an automated call or a direct call from someone claiming to be from HMRC or the court system. The caller alleges that the recipient owes a significant amount of money in unpaid taxes or fines. They often use aggressive tactics, threatening immediate arrest, frozen bank accounts, or even deportation if the payment is not made promptly.
One victim, a student, recounted how they were told they had committed five counts of fraud and would be arrested if they didn’t pay immediately. The caller knew personal details, such as the victim’s recent job change, making the threat seem more credible. Fortunately, the victim sought advice from a family member and avoided falling for the scam.
Another victim reported being told they owed £1,300 in tax evasion and were instructed to pay immediately to avoid legal action. The caller claimed to be from HMRC and even provided a fake case number to add legitimacy to their claims.
Emotional and Financial Impact
The emotional toll on victims is significant. Many report feeling panicked, scared, and overwhelmed during the calls. One individual described how they were left in tears after being threatened with arrest and imprisonment. Another victim, who was targeted while caring for their young child, said the experience left them shaken and anxious.
Financially, the consequences can be devastating. Some victims have lost thousands of pounds to these scams. In one case, a woman was scammed out of £2,500 after the fraudsters convinced her they were calling from the civil court of appeals. The scammers even used a number that matched a legitimate government website, making it harder for victims to verify the call’s authenticity.
How to Protect Yourself
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take the following steps to protect themselves:
- Do Not Share Personal Information: HMRC will never ask for personal or financial details over the phone. If you receive a call asking for this information, it is a scam.
- Verify the Caller: If you are unsure about a call, hang up and contact HMRC or the relevant authority directly using a verified phone number or email address.
- Report Suspicious Calls: Report scam calls to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can also forward suspicious texts to 7726, a free spam reporting service provided by most mobile networks.
- Stay Calm: Scammers often use fear and urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions. Take a moment to think and seek advice from a trusted friend or family member before taking any action.
Authorities Respond
The police and HMRC are aware of the scam and are working to combat it. However, the use of spoofed numbers—where scammers disguise their number to appear as a legitimate government line—makes it difficult to trace and stop these calls.
A spokesperson for HMRC said, “We are aware of these scams and are working closely with law enforcement to tackle them. We urge the public to be cautious and report any suspicious calls to us or Action Fraud.”
Conclusion
The 02079476139 scam is a stark reminder of the lengths fraudsters will go to exploit unsuspecting individuals. By staying informed and vigilant, the public can protect themselves from falling victim to these malicious schemes. If you or someone you know has been targeted, report it immediately to help authorities bring these criminals to justice.
Remember: If it sounds too good—or too threatening—to be true, it probably is.