Act One
Doug is sat at his desk. He is telephoning Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check his Accounts Office Reference number, how exciting!
HMRC “Hello this is Bert [names have been changed to protect the innocent] can I take you through security?”
Doug “Yes”
HMRC “What is your accounts office reference number?”
Doug “Ahh, well funny you should ask – that’s what I want to know. I am calling to check that I have that number recorded correctly.”
HMRC “I can’t give you that information over the phone”.
Doug “Why not please?”
HMRC “That’s not how we do it here.”
Doug “OK……so how about I tell you what I think my accounts office reference number is as part of the security questioning and if I pass security, I must’ve got it right?”
HMRC “What is your accounts office reference number?”
Doug “XYZ123blah”
HMRC “Company name?”
Doug “What Goes Around Limited.”
HMRC “Address”….etc etc
…eventually…
HMRC “right, you have passed security.”
And without another word, HMRC puts the phone down.
The end. (at least I hope it is…)