Police have warned the public about a tax scam after an elderly lady in the Shaldon area was targetted today, 19th January.
The scammers phone call was ended when her neighbours visited. The woman is said to have been left shaken and upset by the call, believing that she may go to Prison due to money owed.
Teignmouth and Dawlish neighbourhood said on Facebook:
“An elderly lady from the Shaldon area has received a phone call today from a female claiming to be from the Tax Office. She stated the elderly lady owed money and if she put the phone down it would increase to £90k and could face 5 years in prison.
The female told the elderly lady to book a Taxi (which she did) and go to Morrisons and purchase £500 worth of Gift Vouchers. The female went onto say that if Morrisons queried why she was buying so many gift vouchers to say they were for her grandchildren. She was also told not to tell anyone and that they would send a Tax officer to her address to collect the vouchers. Luckily the elderly ladies neighbours visited while she was on the phone and terminated the call.
The elderly lady has been left very shaken and upset. She genuinely believes she may go to prison.
If you have elderly neighbours or family please speak with them and warn them of this type of scam,”
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