A FRAUDSTER pretending to be a tax-office employee is the target of a police investigation after scamming a Reading resident of more than £2,000.

Thames Valley Police said they were appealing for information earlier this afternoon, March 28, detailing the events of the scam that happened on Friday, March 26.

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Between 3 and 3.30pm a man attended a home on Wensley Road, Coley Park, Reading, claiming to be an employee of the tax office. 

He then told the resident that she owed money, which needed to be settled, or they would face arrest.

The victim, aged in her sixties, gave the man approximately £2,000 in cash as well as her bank card, in order to let the offender withdraw the 'outstanding balance'.

Reading Chronicle:

The fraudster has been described as a white man aged between late-forties to early-fifites, and with a slightly large build. 

He also had ginger hair, and was dressed in scruffy clothing, including a dirty baseball cap with a frayed peak.

Designated investigator Phoebe Mayo, of the Priority Crime team based at Reading police station, said: “As well as appealing for any witnesses in the area, I would urge other people to be on their guard to safeguard themselves and any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours from similar such incidents occurring.

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“Tax officials would never approach individuals at home addresses without writing to you first, and would never take cash or bank details in person.

“Always check identity and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the police.

“I would also ask anybody else who thinks that they may have been targeted in this manner to please contact police.

“You can do so by calling 101, quoting reference number 43210128198 or by making a report online.

“You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”