The HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) are taking a very proactive approach in highlighting a spam campaign currently on the rise which relates to false tax refund claims. Although it has been around for a number of years, it has again started to build moment with estimated figures rising by over 15% in the last 12 months.
So, what is the scam?
An email is sent which has been branded to look as though it has been issued by the HMRC, it can be very deceptive, recipients will need to carefully check the actual e-mail address used by the sender. The content of the message will be something like the following:
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has sent you this notification as your eligibility has been checked. We owe you 843.78 GBP.
GOV.UK HM Revenue and Customs Gateway Claims (this will show in blue as a hyperlink)
Your reference is GHS-W3K5-OB8.
By clicking on the links in the e-mail and entering details the scammers can capture vital information when asking for bank details which they will then use for fraudulent purposes.
Why is there such a high interest now?
This time of year, is when the scam hits its peaks as more and more people are filing their self-assessment tax returns. Whilst the example above relates to an e-mail, scammers are also using both phone calls and text messages to offer fake tax refunds.
What are HMRC saying?
The warnings from HMRC are very simple, they will NOT issue any form of communication (e-mail, text or telephone) to let a taxpayer know that they are due a refund. They are also very clear that at no stage will individuals be encouraged to request a refund. If a person is entitled to money back, then this will be clearly shown on their HMRC account and payment can be made directly in to the bank account held on file. At no stage will HMRC issue a communication asking for bank details.
The HMRC are requesting that if any suspicious communications are received then they should be forwarded on e-mail to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk or if text messages received, they should be forwarded to 60599.
Should you have any questions or concerns then the Stepping Stones Accountancy team can offer both help and support. Please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk.
You can also book a free 20-minute call with Yarka – https://calendly.com/yarka-ssa/20min
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