02038236366

Got a call pretending to be from HM Revenue, sounded dodgy so I just blocked the number straight away.

On the 19th of January, around three o'clock in the afternoon, I noticed I had missed a call on my mobile phone. The number, 0203 823 6366, didn't ring any bells with me. Upon checking my voicemails, I discovered a message had been left, allegedly from HMRC. The recording warned that if I failed to contact them immediately using a provided number, legal action would ensue. Unfortunately, the number they mentioned wasn't clear, so I decided to check my call log and dialled back the number that had reached out to me. A gentleman picked up, introducing himself as David Smith, but he didn’t disclose which firm he represented. I informed him about the missed call, and oddly enough, he asked me to share my phone number. After I did, he inquired if I was Rachel June Puckett, to which I affirmed. Then, he instructed me to sit down as he had dire tidings, telling me to brace myself. At that moment, I was filled with dread. He claimed that HMRC was under the impression I was involved in tax fraud and that there was an arrest warrant issued by the City of London Police! I was utterly taken aback. While it was hard to believe, considering I had recently submitted my tax return, I couldn’t shake off the unease. He proceeded to mention he was with a legal firm that could assist me in this predicament. That was my cue to pause - something felt awfully off. I informed him I intended to contact HMRC directly to verify the situation and promptly hung up. Afterwards, I dialled the HMRC Self-Assessment helpline, but after twenty minutes on hold, I decided to abandon that route. Instead, I sought out the direct number for the City of London Police to explain the entire affair. The officer who answered assured me she would investigate the situation and promised to return my call. True to her word, she phoned back shortly after to inform me that there was no warrant out for my arrest; the City of London Police don’t operate in such manners, and such matters require time to resolve. She had also done a quick search for the solicitor's firm linked to my call and found a forum post labelling them as HMRC scammers. I’m relieved to say that I navigated through this ordeal without losing any money, but I must admit the entire experience was incredibly harrowing and left me quite shaken. It’s alarming how these individuals had access to my mobile number, full name, and the fact that I had recently filed my tax return - the source of this knowledge eludes me completely. I share this account in hopes that it raises awareness and helps put an end to such nonsense.