HMRC warns of fraudsters after tax scam

HMRC is calling on people to stay vigilant in the fight against fraudsters, who are using email and text messages to scam them out of their savings.
File photo dated 27/01/15 of a selection of one pound coins, two pound coins and bank notes, as Sterling continued to slide against the US dollar as trading reopened after Friday's record crash. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday June 27, 2016. The pound dropped to 1.3390 dollars as markets resumed in Asia, a fall of more than 2.1% on top of the 10% plunge seen after Thursday's referendum. See PA story CITY Pound. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA WireFile photo dated 27/01/15 of a selection of one pound coins, two pound coins and bank notes, as Sterling continued to slide against the US dollar as trading reopened after Friday's record crash. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday June 27, 2016. The pound dropped to 1.3390 dollars as markets resumed in Asia, a fall of more than 2.1% on top of the 10% plunge seen after Thursday's referendum. See PA story CITY Pound. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
File photo dated 27/01/15 of a selection of one pound coins, two pound coins and bank notes, as Sterling continued to slide against the US dollar as trading reopened after Friday's record crash. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday June 27, 2016. The pound dropped to 1.3390 dollars as markets resumed in Asia, a fall of more than 2.1% on top of the 10% plunge seen after Thursday's referendum. See PA story CITY Pound. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

The tax authority is currently processing tax refunds after the end of the 2017/18 tax year.

However, criminals are taking advantage of this by sending out scam emails and SMS-messages to trick the public into thinking they have received a tax rebate so they hand over their account and personal details.

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Treasury Minister, Mel Stride MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury said: “HMRC only informs you about tax refunds through the post or through your pay via your employer. All emails, text messages, or voicemail messages saying you have a tax refund are a scam. Do not click on any links in these messages and forward them to HMRC’s phishing email address and phone number.“We know that criminals will try and use events like the end of the financial year, the self-assessment deadline, and the issuing of tax refunds to target the public and attempt to get them to reveal their personal data. It is important to be alert to the danger.”

Income Tax for 6April 6 2017 to April 5 2018 will be calculated over the coming months and anyone owed a genuine tax rebate will receive a tax calculation letter by post.