Weekly Fraud Update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 27/01/2026

Weekly Fraud Update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 27/01/2026

HMRC

A short reminder as we approach the deadline for Self-Assessment returns. Whilst criminals may impersonate HMRC at any time, the period up to deadlines is a key time to be aware of emails, texts, or even phone calls, claiming to be from HMRC.

HMRC will never send a request for your bank account details, personal information or notify you be text or email about Tax Rebates, and Tax Refunds. Do not be tempted to click on any links in such emails.

Criminals often use threatening language in messages and phone calls which is to pressurise you into acting too quickly without thinking – if in doubt, then just hang up, wait a while, then call back on the genuine HMRC number which you can find on www.gov.uk or on any HMRC correspondence you have.

Criminals will take advantage of the Self-Assessment deadline to panic you into sharing personal or financial details or even paying bogus “Tax Due”. HMRC will never ask for payment by Gift Cards, as appears in some fraudulent messages.

So please take a moment to think before parting with any information or money. If in doubt, check with HMRC using reliable contact details provided by them.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

Criminals may text or email people to tell them they are due a Tax Rebate from HMRC; this may also include a link that asks for personal details which can be used for further scams

Criminals are also using phone calls to gain people’s details

Automated phone calls may be used to say people owe tax, and arrest warrants may be issued by HMRC unless they pay the outstanding tax

Fake web pages have also been used which can copy the genuine HMRC website

HOW TO REPORT:

Forward entire Scam text messages to 60599

Report Phishing Emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk

This also applies to the regular raft of other messages claiming to be from similar Government and official agencies.

ANYDESK SCAM

We have highlighted this Scam previously but there have been some recent reports in our area of residents falling victim to this Scam once again.

Victims may be persuaded via texts or phone calls that there has been criminal activity on their bank accounts, or they may claim to be from Microsoft or similar, and claim there is an error on their computer that needs to be repaired.

In each situation the victim is persuaded to download “AnyDesk” software which then gives the criminal access to the computer.

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AnyDesk in itself is secure, trusted and used by many people without problem. When installed correctly, it is completely secure and an appropriate tool for IT experts wanting to work on remote devices without being on-site.

However there have been reports of members of the public receiving phone calls from Scammers asking them to download AnyDesk and then accessing that computer or mobile phone to glean personal details, bank details etc.

If anyone cold calls you and asks you to download AnyDesk you are advised not to respond and hang up on the caller. They could use this software to steal your money.

What to do if you’ve given a scammer remote access to your device

First and foremost, take back control of your device – if you can still see your screen, there should be a disconnect button enabling you to end the session but as a precaution, turn off Wi-Fi at the router or unplug the network cable to fully disconnect from any external connection.

Tell your banks immediately if there is a chance they have been compromised and report the crime to Action Fraud.

Once your device has been switched back on, you can remove the software (check for recently installed programs/downloads) and any other apps that may have been installed by the scammer while they had remote access.

You should reset all passwords for online accounts (current accounts, savings, email etc.) and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

If you have security software, ensure it has all new and recent updates – then run a full security scan.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours

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If you have fallen for a scam,

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via reportfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received toreport@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.

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Michael Barbour
(Police, PSV, Economic Crime Unit – Fraud Protect’)