Tax claims warning after conman uses mum's name (From Warrington Guardian)

Tax claims warning after conman uses mum's name

A WINSFORD mother who believes someone is using her personal details to claim tax credit is warning other people to be on their guard.

Carole Payton, 44, has a young child and is entitled to tax credit but her claim has been rejected because someone is already claiming in her name.

She said: "I'm absolutely gobsmacked that this can happen.

"It seems so easy for someone to be able to do this and if I hadn't tried to claim myself, I'm not sure I would have known about it."

Mrs Payton believes someone has used the internet to process her claim and is calling for improved security.

She said: "I can't understand how someone can process a claim that quickly and easily over the internet with so few details.

"I have been into the tax office every week to try and sort this out. I came out of there in tears last time because I'm getting desperate.

"Not only is it upsetting that someone is claiming in my name but I need that money for my child because I'm a single parent.

"This is an absolute shambles and has been so horrible.

"You never think this can happen to you but now I know it can and it isn't very nice."

Mrs Payton is now urging people to be careful how they dispose of confidential documents.

She said: "I presume that whoever is doing this to me got my details from a bank statement or something in my rubbish."

The Inland Revenue was unable to comment on Mrs Payton's complaint due to the Data Protection Act.

The police have been informed and are investigating Mrs Payton's claims.

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk