HMRC Scam text

FlakGunna · 8 Oct 2017 at 23:06

Received this today, thing is, this is a newish mobile number so how the **** have they managed to get it? the link is clearly dodgy when you go to it and check the actual real URL.

Is there anything these scammers won't try?

Steeps · 8 Oct 2017 at 23:09

All mobile numbers are recycled if they haven't been used in a while, also some of them run off a list in order so it doesn't have to have come from anywhere.

mattyg · 9 Oct 2017 at 00:28

Everyones phone number is easily available.

Its right there on the right hand side of most keyboards.

Its just the order that needs sorting but pretty much any combination 07831 ****** will reach a mobile phone.

FlakGunna · 9 Oct 2017 at 00:47

I guess so..

muon · 9 Oct 2017 at 01:04

Just send a text to every permutation possible.

It is literally what many cold calling machines do to find live numbers.

Fishbait · 9 Oct 2017 at 02:23

Also likely that anyone in "customer support" or any other branch of your mobile provider can just copy all numbers they want to any USB at work & sell them on in their own time.

FlakGunna · 9 Oct 2017 at 02:32

Fishbait said:
Also likely that anyone in "customer support" or any other branch of your mobile provider can just copy all numbers they want to any USB at work & sell them on in their own time.

You can't trust no one these days. These damn humans!

Azza · 9 Oct 2017 at 06:32

Seems legit OP. Go get paid.

Psymonkee · 9 Oct 2017 at 07:59

Fun fact: HMRC will only ever write to you. Texts and phonecalls are all scams!

mattyg · 9 Oct 2017 at 08:43

Psymonkee said:
Fun fact: HMRC will only ever write to you. Texts and phonecalls are all scams!

But they do also email....

peterwalkley · 9 Oct 2017 at 09:04

Forward the text to 7726 (spells SPAM on your keypad). It depends on your operator, but with enough of them the number gets blocked.

mattyg said:
But they do also email....

They are pretty good though and don't include links or any personal details apart from your name.

Rifte · 9 Oct 2017 at 09:23

I have had these as well....

moogle · 9 Oct 2017 at 09:43

peterwalkley said:
Forward the text to 7726 (spells SPAM on your keypad). It depends on your operator, but with enough of them the number gets blocked.

The problem is, these sort of scam texts are spoofed and have no reply number.

peterwalkley · 9 Oct 2017 at 09:53

moogle said:
The problem is, these sort of scam texts are spoofed and have no reply number.

True, but the content can be pattern-matched and blocked. The Telco's are not as advanced as standard email filters but are gradually catching up. As customers, we need to keep complaining about it to both provide them with the data and also keep the pressure on.

moogle · 9 Oct 2017 at 10:38

peterwalkley said:
True, but the content can be pattern-matched and blocked. The Telco's are not as advanced as standard email filters but are gradually catching up. As customers, we need to keep complaining about it to both provide them with the data and also keep the pressure on.

Ah right, maybe it's not futile then. I just find it annoying that the system allows for a number to receive a text without it originating from anywhere.

hornetstinger · 9 Oct 2017 at 13:48

Give them your credit card and debit card numbers.

If all your money goes out and maxed out on credit cards, then you know it's a scam.

FlakGunna · 9 Oct 2017 at 16:53

hornetstinger said:
Give them your credit card and debit card numbers.

If all your money goes out and maxed out on credit cards, then you know it's a scam.

While I'm at it I shall cut off my legs and see if it stops my ability to walk too. Two birds in one stone an all that.

Psycho Sonny · 10 Oct 2017 at 13:56

Psymonkee said:
Fun fact: HMRC will only ever write to you. Texts and phonecalls are all scams!

u wot m8?

HMRC do use phone calls. In fact it's the most common method after letters. They will also use emails so long as you have given permission for them to contact you by an unsecured method which could be intercepted by anyone.