Weird message from HMRC VAT - scam?

**tractor** · 10 June 2015, 14:57

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Originally posted by psychocandy View Post

Have had a mobile no call me about 5 times today. Didn't leave a message.

I generally never answer these sorts of things during the day. Anyway, I txt back and said please leave a message.

Message left. Person says they're from HMRC VAT and want to arrange a visit to check my VAT stuff. Asked me to call back.

Seems very strange to me - calling me from a mobile number! Why not just send me a letter?

Scam or dodgy?

If it is genuine, do they expect me to lose a days billing to hang around for them?

Try answering it. Or not. If it is genuine, ultimately if they cannot contact you, they will write.

**Ticktock** · 10 June 2015, 15:00

Or you could always call HMRC and ask if it's genuine.

**DaveB** · 10 June 2015, 15:03

HMRC will always put it in writing. It's a scam.

**BrilloPad** · 10 June 2015, 15:05

Originally posted by psychocandy View Post

If it is genuine, do they expect me to lose a days billing to hang around for them?

I usually send them to see my accountant. You still have to pay the accountant! But its worthwhile to have someone who knows what they are doing and used to dealing with HMRC bullies.

**tractor** · 10 June 2015, 15:17

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Originally posted by DaveB View Post

HMRC will always put it in writing. It's a scam.

The only time HMRC wanted to undertake a VAT check with me, they called first so it may not be. But if I hadn't answered the phone, I would never have known.....

After a discussion, they agreed I was small fry so no inspection was needed (she reviewed the return figures whilst on the call) she agreed to just send me details of local VAT presentations which I was 'welcome to attend'.

I did ask her why she had picked me to call and she said they try to inspect all businesses within the first two years of registration. This was quite a while ago so their criteria/priorities are likely to have changed by now.

**TheFaQQer** · 10 June 2015, 15:20

Ring the IPSE office on +44 208 897 9970 and ask them what to do. Or ring the IPSE tax advice helping on 01788 558 877 / 0845 125 9252 and speak to someone about it.

If it's genuine, then you should be pointing them to IPSE straight away. If it's not and you point them to IPSE then they'll go away.

**northernladuk** · 10 June 2015, 15:24

Who on earth would even think something like this is genuine... Oh.. forget that..

**TestMangler** · 10 June 2015, 15:29

Only had one VAT inspection in 20 years, but the initial contact for that came from the inspector for my area from his mobile. Once we had agreed an appointment date, I received a confirmation in writing, so it can happen.

As a humorous aside, the guy had a name that could only be described as exceptionally Irish, so I organised his visit in the afternoon of a day when Celtic had a home EUFA cup tie. The first thing he said when he arrived was "I'd like to get through this quickly cause I'm meeting some mate to go to the football tonight.....".

Wasn't a particularly onerous afternoon tbh. The choose three random quarters from the previous five years, checked invoices in and out against my return, asked a couple of questions about a 'non contracting' income stream I had at the time (selling computer hardware) and left. Simples.

**psychocandy** · 10 June 2015, 15:37

Someone better tell NLUK.

Weird message from HMRC VAT - scam?