Scam callers using bully boy tactics have been targeting residents across Co Armagh over the past few days.
Armagh I has received complaints from residents in Tandragee, Richhill, Loughgall and Portadown all relating to the same phone number.
The matter has been reported to the PSNI.
The calls are being made from the number 075 3713 0915 and the caller claims to be from HM Customs and Revenue.
One woman, who asked not to be named, told Armagh I : “My mum’s in her 70s and she had a call from this number. He told her they were pursuing a lawsuit against her and she had to press one on the phone so she could speak to her case officer about it.
“It’s really quite alarming. She said his tone of voice was threatening and she was actually scared. But I’m glad she was savvy enough not to press one and eventually she just hung up. There was no call back.
“Mum was lucky enough and was not taken in but others might not be so fast or so lucky.”
Indeed, there are reports that some locally may have already divulged personal information.
This is a total scam – it is worth noting that HMRC will NOT contact you via telephone so do not fall for it.
There are fears that, given the threatening nature and urgency of the caller’s request, some could feel pressurised into parting with private financial details.
Don’t! Do the right thing – just hang up! And if you have a message left from this number asking you to call back – just ignore it.