HMRC warns of dangers

HMRC warns of dangers of falling for scam during phase of increased attacks on UK residents

A substantial number of bogus emails are currently being sent out. Below is a press release issued by HM Revenue & Customs on the subject. I would emphasise that HMRC will never send emails to taxpayers about potential repayments. If you receive any such emails please contact us if you are in any doubt about it.

'HMRC have said on 22 July 2009 that criminal gangs are targeting taxpayers with thousands of scam emails offering bogus tax refunds. The online attacks, known as ‘phishing’, have peaked during July leading to increased reports of fraud to HM Revenue & Customs.

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 customers about the possible dangers of falling for this scam during this phase of increased attacks on UK residents.
HMRC strongly advises:

- Check the advice published to www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/index.htm to see if the email you have received is listed;

- Forward suspicious email to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete it from your computer / mail account. Do not click on websites links contained in suspicious emails or open attachments;

- Follow advice from www.getsafeonline.co.uk. If you have reason to believe that you have been the victim of an email scam, report the matter to your bank/card issuer as soon as possible.

If in doubt, please check it out with HMRC at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm'

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