Don't be caught out by tax fraudsters pretending to be HMRC...

HMRC has updated its list of examples of websites, emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages and phone calls used by scammers and tax fraudsters to obtain an individual’s personal information.

The guidance can be used to help you decide if a contact from HMRC is genuine and provides examples of the different methods that fraudsters use to get individuals to disclose personal information.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples

Fraudsters use calls, emails and text messages to target unsuspecting indviduals. Watch our for unsafe links, demands for payment and other suspicious activity.

Broadly, there are two main types of HMRC tax scams:

Claims of owed tax – A fake HMRC agent claims you owe tax and must pay right now.

Claims of tax refunds – The scammers claim a target is due a tax refund. This tactic is used to gather bank details – and the person targeted may also be asked to pay a fee to get the money.

Claims usually create a sense of urgency to make people respond quickly and discourage you from checking if the message is real. The goal is to get you to pay money or hand over banking details. Scammers might also ask for sensitive information to carry out identity theft or fraud later.

If you’re ever unsure if a communication about tax is genuine, get in touch. Our team will be happy to help you.

Don’t be caught out by tax fraudsters pretending to be HMRC…

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