Child tax credit - is this an identity theft scam thing?

[Racingsnake]

Had a phone call this afternoon (Sunday) from the child tax office, saying they had my address wrong. I confirmed my middle name, date of birth and corrected the address (they had one from years ago which I can't think how they got). However, I have now thought, would they really work on a Sunday afternoon? I remembered the loss of all those child benefit details and wondered if this is some elaborate scam to get our details?

What experience has anyone else had?

I'd phone them and check it was them ringing.

eek. No idea but calling on a Sunday does sound very odd indeed. I'd ring your bank on Monday, am sure I've heard of some system where they can put a flag on your account (and change your security details if you use DOB or middle name or anything). And call the tax office to check - you can find your nearest one on the IR website.

Call tax credit helpline, they're open 8 till 8 7 days a week, and if you have a claim currently, ask them to check your notes and see if an outbound call was made.

If you're unable to access your claim and are concerned your id has been misused, say so, the adviser won't be able to discuss your claim, but can refer it on for checking, sooner rather than later is better in these cases.

I would phone them tomorrow morning. It sounds very add. How would they know they have the wrong address?

If i get a phone call i never confirm details. I always ask them to send me a letter if there is a problem with accounts.

its sounds very odd

Of course I realise now that I shouldnt have confirmed anything at all. I don't think I would have been silly enough to give any bank details, but I now see how people do that.

I will ring them first thing tomoorow morning. In future I will ask them to write; good idea.

Could have been for real - the TC Helpline is open on sundays iirc?

I get a call every six months, at about 10.45 on a sunday morning, from the Belfast CSA offices. They want to know my ex's address. I tell them every time but still they call...

Rang them this morning - it was a legitimate call - they work 'from 8 till 8, 7 days a week'. Poor them.