Taxpayers who were victims of a recent identity theft operation have been warned that text and automated voicemail messages left by HM Revenue and Customs - to help it save money - are 'not safe'. HMRC has advised individuals on the website that they should only respond to messages that have the specific number for tax credit issues included to verify its authenticity. But Matt Coward, from PFK, said people are not going to trust that the messages are completely genuine and although HMRC is bound to try out cost effective measures, its latest attempt is 'clearly a waste of time'. He said: 'Perhaps the only giveaway that it is a genuine number is that the tax helpline always seems to be engaged - a fraudster would at least want to answer your call. But, ultimately, does HMRC really expect every recipient to spend time digging around on the Revenue website to check out that the response number is genuine?' In addition, he said that individuals are unlikely to expect HMRC to contact them via a text message and should treat it with them 'utmost suspicion'.