Phony callers target Fermanagh people on tax credits

by Gráinne Connolly

A number of people across Fermanagh have been receiving phony phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the tax agency HMRC. 

These callers have been encouraging people to provide their personal details or bank account details to sort alleged tax debts. 

Q Radio spoke with Kevin Lawrence from Enniskillen's Citizens Advice Bureau and he said this time of year in particular, there are people processing Tax Credit renewals which may make the calls seem genuine. 

This week alone, Mr Lawrence said he received 9 complaints about "bogus callers" claiming to be from the tax agency. 

In one case, a customer was told by the con artist that they would be arrested if they didn't pay the alleged debt that they owed to HMRC. 

Kevin went on to express how important it is that people, especially those most vulnerable, should be aware of these callers.

The public should also be aware that HMRC will never contact you by phone, email or text asking for money or any bank/personal details. 

There's also scam emails circling local people's inbox stating that HMRC owe them tax back. 

However, it's also only a way of fishing debit/credit card details.