HMRC Issue Warning On Tax Rebate Email Scams

HMRC has issued the alert to all UK taxpayers not to fall victim to the scam emails which have been circulating the net.

It is currently the run-up to the tax credit renewable deadline and it seems that imposters are hoping to cash in by conning people to hand over their credit card and bank details.

Consumers have to renew their claims by the 31^st July or their payments stop; and due this time-sensitive period the taxman often witness an increase in phishing attacks.

The bogus email promises the recipient a tax rebate and it sends them to a cloned replica of the HMRC website in which the criminals then try to take money from the victim’s accounts using the credit or debit card details provided.

Victims risk having money stolen from their bank accounts or having other sensitive information such as passwords get into the wrong hands. Personal details like this are then sold on to gangs for identity frauds.

In May last year a record 26,301 phishing attempts were reported to HMRC and from April to July during the tax credit renewal period, nearly 94,000 sham emails were reported by customers. Law enforcement agencies across the UK and overseas continuously shut down phishing attacks and scam networks in Austria, Mexico, South Korea, USA, Thailand and Japan are closed.

Scam emails often begin with a sentence such as “we have reviewed your tax return and our calculations of your last years accounts show a tax refund of XXXX is due”. Ignore all ‘dodgy’ emails that do not appear authentic and do not click on the links within the email, the website or open any attachments.

If you are really unsure as to whether a tax email is real or genuine, let Liptrott and Woosey have a look.

A top tip is that HMRC only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. They don’t use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances.

For further advice and guidance about tax, speak to the chartered certified accountants in Manchester. They can file your tax returns and speak to HMRC on your behalf and the experts are on-hand to simplify the accounting process and ensure everything is above board. Visit the site today or call them on 08448 731 522.

ENDS

Media Contact Details

·         Name: Hannah

·         Company Name: Liptrott and Woosey

·         Town: Manchester

·         Country: UK

·         Telephone Number: 08448 731 522      

·         Email: hannah@liptrottandwoosey.co.uk