Martin Lewis has issued a scam call warning to anyone receiving suspicious calls from fraudsters pretending to be from HMRC or organisations such as Microsoft or even the NHS.
The money saving guru tweeted to inform his followers, explaining what to do and what not to do if you are called by someone you suspect to be a scammer. The consumer champion is urging everyone to remain vigilant and not to trust anyone who simply calls out of the blue.
It comes as an HMRC scam continues to fool many across the country. Martin himself explained that he recently received an automated call from 'HMRC' on his mobile.
The message asks you to press one urgently in order to be connected to an agent after stating legal action may be taken due to failure to comply with an HMRC letter.
Martin explained that he played along, asking the 'operator' which HMRC office they were calling from before the person on the other end of the phone swiftly hung up.
The financial expert then followed up, explaining to his followers that pressing one will not result in a charge. But calling back could risk charge, saying it is best to act with caution and simply ignore calls and messages if you are suspicious.
The MoneySavingExpert founder explained: "If you are called by a scammer and asked to press a button (eg press 1 to...) it is impossible for you to be charged a premium rate call.
"Many said they were worried about this, having had similar calls to the HMRC scam. So I wanted to clear it up (and I've double checked with Ofcom).
"However if you call them, or if you click to call back after they've left a voicemail or from a missed call, you may be charged a premium rate. So the best thing if you're in any doubt is exercise caution and not engage."
Martin added: "Frankly anyone calling you out of the blue to tell you you must take urgent or secret financial (or tech) action is almost certainly a criminal scammer (common ones are from HMRC, Microsoft, delivery firms, NHS).
"Be very wary. Any reputable organisation will have a way you can contact them (find their number independently, don't use one from the potential scam call) to check if the call is real, if you're worried.
"These people are clever, nasty, conscience-less criminals who prey on inattention, fear and vulnerability. The sooner laws are tightened to stop them having access to mass calling, and social media sites, the better."
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