HMRC gave a refund from my tax account to fraudster making repayment claim

I was in credit but HMRC handed £2,500 over to someone impersonating me on the phone, and says I’m in debt

Since January, I’ve received numerous letters from HM Revenue and Customs stating that I owe £2,500 plus interest. My accountant and I have written to HMRC explaining that my tax account is fully paid up, but have received no reply. I’ve since been chased by a debt collector.

EF, London

HMRC told me that back in January, it had received a phone call requesting a payment of overpaid tax in your self-assessment account.

It blithely paid the money as directed by the caller, then later realised that the call was from a fraudster who had impersonated you and pocketed the money.