Northumberland County Council Trading Standards Service is warning people to be aware of telephone calls that claim to be from the Inland Revenue.
There have been a small number of reports in the county of residents receiving an automated recording announcement that the Inland Revenue are preparing a case against the person, and if they want to speak to the case office they should press “1”.
Details reported by Action Fraud state that those who press the button are advised that there is a warrant out in their name and if they don’t pay, the police will arrest them.
David Sayer, the council’s Business Compliance and Public Safety Unit Manager, said: “Trading Standards are increasingly alarmed by the callous lengths that some cold-calling telesales operations will go to, to get well meaning consumers and businesses to part with their hard-earned money.”
Anyone who thinks they have received or been victim to a hoax should call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
They can report these incidents on the Action Fraud website http://www.actionfraud.police.