Scam HMRC call reports drop by 97%

Reports of scam HMRC phone calls have fallen by 97% over the past 12 months according to the department’s latest statistics. Figures peaked at 79 477 in March 2021 and fell to 2 491 in December 2021.

Similarly there has been a 92% drop in phishing email reports and a 97% drop in scam text reports.

All this has resulted in HMRC falling from third most phished brand globally to outside the top 100.

HMRC says these results are testament to the work of teams across the department including dedicated customer protection teams and helplines tools to refer scams and use of innovative technologies. It also signals that the public is more aware of cyber criminals and the methods they use to trick people.

It adds that the department works closely with national and international law enforcement agencies to combat scams...