Tax Refund Scams Warning From HMRC
HMRC has issued a warning to taxpayers regarding the latest tax refund scams. These scams are targeting individuals via email and SMS messages. HMRC are informing people to fight against fraudsters and stating that people stay vigilant.
HMRC is currently processing genuine tax refunds for the 2017/17 tax year which fraudsters are taking advantage of and targeting people by sending scam messages which claim that taxpayers are entitled to a rebate. The messages request that the taxpayers provide their personal details in order to make a claim.
The treasury Minister Mel Stride MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, states:
“HMRC only informs you about tax refunds through the post or through your pay via your employer. All emails, text messages, or voicemail messages saying you have a tax refund are a scam. Do not click on any links in these messages, and forward them to HMRC’s phishing email address and phone number”.
Majority of the fraudulent SMS messages and emails include links which then takes the user to dubious websites whereby their information can be stolen. HMRC are tackling down on these websites as it was reported that 84,549 reports of phishing were received.
HMRC Advice
- Genuine organisations such as banks and HMRC will never contact you unexpectedly asking for your PIN, password or bank details.
- Never give out any personal information, reply to messages, download attachments or click on links in emails you weren’t expecting.
- Take action- any suspicious emails that you receive from HMRC, forwards them to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and texts to 60599 or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 for report any suspicious calls.
For more information on this, visit: GOV.UK News
