Be Aware: Tax Refund Scams
HMRC is warning that fraudsters are sending scam emails and SMS-messages that promise tax rebates to trick people into disclosing their account and personal details
The message is to 'stay vigilant in the fight against fraudsters.'
Tax refunds after the end of 2017 to 2018 tax year are currently being processed and it seems that criminals are taking advantage of this by sending out scam emails and SMS messages to trick people into thinking they have received a tax rebate and hand over account and personal details.
Treasury Minister Mel Stride MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury said:
"HMRC only informs you about tax refunds through the post of 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."
HMRC advice
- recognise the signs - genuine organisations like banks and HMRC will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, password or bank details
- stay safe - do not give out private information, reply to text messages, download attachments or click on links in emails you weren't expecting
- take action - forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and texts to 60599, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report any suspicious calls or use its online fraud reporting tool
- check GOV.UK for information on how to avoid and report scams and recognise genuine HMRC contact
- if you think you have received an HMRC-related phishing/bogus email of text message, you can check it against the examples shown in this guide
Whilst every effort has been made by CavanaghKelly to ensure the accuracy of the information here, it cannot be guaranteed and neither CavanaghKelly nor any related entity shall have liability to any person who relies on the information herein. Information given here is for guidance only. Detailed professional advice should be taken before acting on any information contained herein. If having read the guidance here, you would like to discuss further; a member of our team would be pleased to help you.