HMRC are warning taxpayers to be vigilant as there have been several reports of scam emails offering a tax repayment. Taxpayers should not respond to any email promising a tax repayment.
The email advises the recipient they are due a tax refund and directs them to an online form to provide bank or credit card details for the payment of the "rebate".
Where taxpayers believe they may have been the victim of an email scam they should report the matter to their bank/card issuer as soon as possible. HMRC are advising that those providing their details have had their accounts emptied and credit cards used to their limit. Victims are also at risk of having their personal details sold on to organised criminal gangs.
HMRC are expecting an increase in this type of email as following the Self Assessment filing deadline, many taxpayers will be waiting to receive confirmation of their repayment.
HMRC said:
"We only ever contact customers who are due a refund by post. We never use emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances. We strongly urge anyone receiving such an email to send it to us for investigation before deleting it."
Simon Coles & Co, PO Box 600, London, WC1H 0XB
Telephone & Fax: 020 7278 5447 Email: info@simoncoles.co.uk
Simon Coles & Co is a trading name of Simon Coles Limited - Company Reg.: 4489932
Registered to carry on audit work by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
