HMRC issues new warning over fake emails

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people to remain vigilant as fraudsters renew their efforts to scam money from unwitting taxpayers.

Emails which appear to originate from a genuine Government source claim that recipients are entitled to a tax rebate in an attempt to coax them into sharing personal information.

Some messages also invite taxpayers to complete a form (in some cases an online form), which demands their credit card details.

Email addresses used by the fraudsters include: tax-inform@hmrc-information.co.uk; online.paper@hmrcpaper.co.uk; office.tax@hmrc.taxreturn.co.uk and securemail@hmrc.gov.uk.

However, HMRC states that it would not inform customers of a tax rebate via email, and is advising taxpayers not to visit the website contained in some of the emails, or to surrender any of their personal or payment details.

A spokesman for HMRC said: ‘The email is a sophisticated attempt at internet fraud and it is very important that anyone receiving it does not reply or provide any personal details whatsoever.

‘We are liaising closely with those agencies working to close down and prosecute those behind these scams. If you are in any doubt about a communication claiming to be from HMRC please contact us.’

Suspicious HMRC emails can be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.