A fraudulent phone call that threatens you with arrest due to ‘tax issues’ is being made to mobiles.

The automated call comes from a Bolton number 01204 243730 and tells the recipient the HRMC is looking into your personal affairs and you are being investigated. You are told not to hang up and to resolve the issue you must press 1 on your handset.

If you do choose to press the number it is likely you will be charged a premium cost or transferred to a fraudster who will attempt to extort money from you. Callers are advised to hang up straight away.

A call was made to a Blackburn man yesterday.

Earlier in the summer some callers complained they were receiving the call from a Bolton number on their landlines on a similar scam.

The HRMC website says, “HMRC is aware of an automated phone call scam which will tell you HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you, and to press one to speak to a caseworker to make a payment. We can confirm this is a scam and you should end the call immediately.

“This scam has been widely reported and often targets elderly and vulnerable people.

“Other scam calls may offer a tax refund and request you to provide your bank or credit card information. If you cannot verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.”

For more information on HMRC scams click here