Scam or Genuine ?

smallzoo2

Hi
Like most people I have had letters from the taxman over the years but not a call.
I got a call this afternoon on a unknown number and the guy left a message giving my surname and saying he was Paul from HMRC re my SEISS grant. he asksd me to call him back on  0300 322 9430 and quote a reference number which he gave
Is this genuine or a scam ?
Thanks

PLEASE MOVE THIS IF ITS IN THE WRONG FORUM CATEGORY 

Alfrescodave

If you Google the number it appears to be genuine HMRC but still need to be cautious if/when you ring them.

JamoLew

Does HMRC have the number that you received the message on ?

Have you applied for a SEISS grant ?

If yes to both - as above - but be wary - can you ring from a different number ie a landline?

smallzoo2

I have applied for the SEISS grant but when I looked up the number on who called its showed as follows

FatherTireseus

Your screenshot looks like it's from Who Called Me as I use that from time to time to check numbers I don't recognise or report spam and scam calls.

The thing is with that website,  individual users will have different ideas of what is safe and what is dodgy when reporting numbers.

I second those who say be careful if / when you call back.  It does appear to be a genuine number but it's easy enough for fraudsters to spoof genuine numbers.

smallzoo2

Thanks. Ive decided to phone the main HMRC number and explain what message I got. It may take a lot longer but probably safer
cheers

TBagpuss

It is a genuine HMRC number, and I think certain people do get calls from HMRC - especially those who are eligible for grant 4 because they recently became self employed, or to check that you are still trading / intending to trade.
If you can't get through on the main number try the webchat