Huge Surge In HMRC Scam Emails
July has seen a massive surge in the number of scam emails claiming to be from HMRC. The scams tell the recipient they are due a tax refund and ask for bank or credit card details so that the fictitious tax refund can be paid out. HMRC is warning taxpayers about the possible dangers of falling for this scam during this phase of increased attacks on UK residents.
All taxpayers who provide their details to the fraudsters run a real risk of their accounts being emptied and credit cards used to their limit. The victim also risks having their personal details sold on to other organised criminal gangs.
Lesley Strathie, HMRC Chief Executive stated:
"HMRC only ever contact taxpayers who are due a refund in writing by post.We never use emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances. I would strongly encourage anyone receiving such an email to immediately send it to HMRC for investigation and delete it from their computer."
Some of the emails are remarkably authentic, with email addresses including the .gsi.gov.uk trailer, making them appear more plausible. If the emails start with the words "following a review of your fiscal activity" it is likely to be a scam email as HMRC would not use such terminology. Also the colour used as the background to the white HMRC logo is not quite accurate it is slightly too blue/geen when compared to the actual HMRC logo.
If you receive a scam email then forward the suspicious email to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and the delete it from your computer/mail account.
Article Courtesy of Stephen D. Brownlee @ SDB Accountancy Services
