Beware of unofficial emails from HMRC

As 31 July approaches scammers will take the opportunity to increase the number of fraudulent emails and imitation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) websites in order to obtain individuals’ bank information on the pretext of a tax demand or a claim that a tax refund is due.

Our repeated advice is that HMRC will never inform you about a tax rebate or penalty by email, so if you receive one of these messages, report it immediately by forwarding the message to: phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.

Also, be suspicious of emails that request personal or payment information such as usernames, passwords, bank or card details, and messages that use a vague non-specific greeting, such as ‘Dear customer’.

As well as phishing emails, we have seen a number of copycat websites that outwardly appear to be official and part of a Government service. However, there is a risk that if you use one of these sites, you could end up paying for services that you could get for free by using the official service.

Always remember to be very careful about which website you are on before providing personal information. Think carefully – Would you give the information requested to a man in the Street?