Don’t Get Caught by Phishing

HMRC has issued a warning to taxpayers not to fall victim to 'phishing' e-mails sent out by fraudsters during the countdown to the self assessment deadline of 31st January.

The e-mail informs the recipient that they are entitled to a tax repayment and provides a link to a clone of HMRC's website where the taxpayer is asked to divulge their credit card or bank details. Fraudsters then attempt to extract money from the account using those same details. Victims not only risk having their bank accounts raided but also having their personal details sold on to other organised crime syndicates. It is important to remember that HMRC only notify tax refunds by post and that tax repayment forms P800 contain a payment order and will never ask for credit or debit card details.

The scam e-mails often begins with a sentence such as 'we have reviewed your tax return and our calculations of your last year's accounts a tax refund of xxxx is due'. Anyone who receives one of these messages should:

  • Check the advice published via the HMRC Online Security page to see if the e-mail received is listed.
  • Forward suspicious e-mails 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 e-mails or open attachments
  • Follow advice from www.getsafeonline.co.uk

HMRC meticulously investigates phishing attacks and works with UK and overseas law enforcement agencies which has led to scam networks being shut down in Austria, Mexico, U.K, South Korea and the U.S.A.  During the last three months HMRC has helped close down 185 websites behind the distribution of the fake tax refund e-mails.  

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of an e-mail scam should report the matter to their bank/card issuer immediately. If in doubt visit HMRC or visit the HMRC Phishing examples page.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Very pleasant. Excellent price for what I needed. I will be a returning customer.

Rhino Review

Mr Paul D

Great staff. Customer focused and a team who recognise and understand their customers 100%.

Rhino Review

Vijay S

Fantastic accountants who helped me submit my last 2 years personal tax returns! I really rate this company!!!

QAccounting Review

Natalie

Fantastic service.

Rhino Review

Marco G

Been with QAccounting for several months now, very good service, very personal and the best prices I have seen.

QAccounting Review

Muhammed A

I switched over to QAccounting a few months ago and haven't looked back. I get to speak to my own client manager and accountant, the prices were the best I had seen, and I paid exactly what it said online (no extra costs). Very happy with QA.

QAccounting Review

Jeremy H