LONDONERS are being warned of fraudsters pretending to be the taxman.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers to be vigilant following reports that thieves are making phone calls pretending to be the taxman.

Fraudsters inform victims they are due a tax rebate and ask for their bank card details over the phone.

They then attempt to take money from the account using the details provided.

Director of customer contact at HMRC, Chris Hopson, said: “We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post.

“We never use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances.”

Forward suspicious emails to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete it from your computer.