HMRC warns of fraudulent activity
HMRC has published updated guidance on phishing and bogus emails. The new 11 page PDF document includes examples of emails, letters, text messages, and bogus calls used by scammers and fraudsters to get your personal information.
Phishing emails are emails sent by fraudsters who try and trick recipients into thinking an email is genuine. HMRC is aware of numerous instances of phishing emails being sent from around the world that seek to acquire sensitive information such as passwords, credit card or bank account details using phoney links. HMRC never sends notifications of a tax rebate by email, or asks recipients to disclose personal or payment information by email.
The PDF document includes examples of phishing emails and many recent email scams. The document also includes links to letter scams that ask for information such as a companies VAT registration number or advice of a ‘change’ in HMRC’s bank account details. There have also been instances of bogus telephone calls and even home visits as well as fraudulent SMS messages.
Any of our readers who are unsure as to the authenticity of any email or other communication purporting to be from HMRC should be careful to check the validity of any message before providing any information.