HMRC VAT Scam

HMRC VAT Scam

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Client is receiving phone calls from 0300 200 3827 and the guy is claiming to be from HMRCs VAT office and chasing an outstanding debt.  The company in question no longer exists and the only VAT outstanding was as a result of a determination raised immediately prior to the company being struck off although there was no trade during the quarter anyway.  I called the number on behalf of the client and after hearing the usual HMRC recorded message I was put through to a man who would not even tell me which department of HMRC he was with as he claimed it was 'confidential' when I challenged this on the basis that it was absolutely ridiculous he began to stutter and and started asking me for my details as the agent.  I am certain this must be a scam but just wanted to check to see whether there is some other explanation or, if it is a scam, to bring it to your attention.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Replies (6)

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By Alan Ferris
01st Aug 2013 14:52

Certainly a scam

Whilst I am aware that HMRC are now using 03000 numbers, I am not aware of them ever using 03002 numbers.

 

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Replying to paulgrca.net:
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By User deleted
01st Aug 2013 14:58

Really?

Alan Ferris wrote:

Whilst I am aware that HMRC are now using 03000 numbers, I am not aware of them ever using 03002 numbers.

 

What about the VAT Helpline? 0300 200 3700

Or the Child Benefit Helpline - 0300 200 3100

And so on. And so on.

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By vince8
01st Aug 2013 14:59

Different number

I called the VAT debt line on 03000525106 the other day. The 03002 etc are the new cheaper numbers replacing 0845.

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By Brightster
01st Aug 2013 15:14

Probably not a scam

it is probably an inept junior member of staff getting hung up (excuse the pun) on the 'taxpayer confidentiality' rules. They can't do much through a phone line so either wait for the inevitable letters then deal with it  or ring back, and explain the position. If you get no joy with the first person, ask to speak to their manager. If you get no joy there, ask to speak to their manager and so on until you get to speak to someone with whom you can have a sensible conversation. Be persistent and do not allow yourself to be fobbed off and you will resolve it.  

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Replying to paulgrca.net:
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By frustratedwithhmrc
01st Aug 2013 15:39

Company dead, determination bogus. Why are you still acting?

Dhughes wrote:
Client is receiving phone calls from 0300 200 3827 and the guy is claiming to be from HMRCs VAT office and chasing an outstanding debt.  The company in question no longer exists and the only VAT outstanding was as a result of a determination raised immediately prior to the company being struck off although there was no trade during the quarter anyway.

Company is dead, determination is bogus. Why are you still acting?

HMRC / debt collectors are in breach of Section 40 Administration of Justice Act 1970 in that they are pursuing someone for a corporate debt which no longer exists and for which the client cannot be liable.

If HMRC wishes to reinstate the company to the company register, thereby resurrecting the corporate debt, but not the personal liability on the director then they have the power to do so (but seldom use). Regardless, this will not create money out of thin air to pay the debts of the now deceased company.

Pointless waste of everybody's time and energy in my opinion.

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By bernard michael
02nd Aug 2013 08:54

As the company doesn't exist there's no need to do anything. If "HMRC" call just tell them that the company is struck off and refuse to discuss it further 

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