Write a commentNewry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has warned local people to be aware of a scam doing the rounds with a caller claiming to be from HMRC saying they are investigating a case against you. The SDLP Assembly man believes fraudsters are targeting the elderly, frail and disabled as part of the scam and has warned local residents to be on their guard.
Mr McNulty said, ‘This week I was contacted by a number of different constituents from across Newry and Armagh who had been contacted by a caller claiming to be from HMRC and advising they were investigating a case against them. The gave them a number to call. Those who contacted me were wise not to respond, but the fraudsters have persisted and keep calling.’
‘I have contacted HMRC and this is not coming from them. In fact, the advice from HMRC is to contact the PSNI if anyone receives such a call. HMRC do not engage in cold-calling and any correspondence from them would be in the form of a letter. ‘
‘This is just the latest in a batch of scams operating locally. In recent months I have been made aware of a People’s Lottery Scam and one claiming that your computer is broken and software needs updated. These are all scams and I would urge people to be vigilant and cautious. If someone or some organisation who you have never heard off or are not subscribed to is writing to you offering you money in return for your bank details or they say you owe them money, my strong advice is to either ignore it or to contact the PSNI. We have heard too many horror stories of the elderly and frail being conned out of money. I would urge people to be extra vigilant.’
