The Department for the Economy’s Trading Standards Service (TSS) is warning consumers to be on their guard against financial scams after a County Down woman lost over £4,000 to a sophisticated HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) impersonation scam. Impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as trusted figures such as bank officials or government representatives to trick you into sending money, have increased in recent months, resulting in significant financial losses and emotional distress. For further advice or to check if TSS may be able to assist if you have lost money to a scam, contact our Consumerline Team at: 0300 123 6262 or consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk