South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has called on the Treasury in London to undertake an immediate investigation into VAT scams, which are placing undue financial stress on small businesses.
Ms Ritchie said: “I have been contacted by some small businesses who have been victims of a VAT scam. This scam is characterised in an official looking document entitled ‘Publication of costs VAT registration – Numbers in the UK Corporate Portal 2014’ requesting further information and potential fee costs. This spurious document also states ‘as we operate independently of trade organisations and public authorities, the publication is due to costs’.
“I have reported this unacceptable scam to the Treasury in London and urged them to investigate the extent; the cause; the identity of those involved in perpetrating this scam on small to medium sized businesses who seem to have an intent to extort money from businesses who are already over pressed due to the economic recession, and the actions to be identified by the Treasury to end this scandalous scam which could compromise businesses.
“I have urged the Treasury to take immediate steps to not only investigate this scam, but ensure that measures are put in place to prevent and eradicate such levels of fraud and scams within the taxation system. Businesses in rural and urban communities must feel that they are being protected by the Treasury.
“Companies and businesses need to be vigilant to ensure that they do not provide some of their hard earned money as a response to such unsolicited official looking letters”.
]]>
