Tax office phishing scam foxes thousands

A WARNING was released today by HM Revenue and Customs alerting those who receive a tax rebate email from HMRC that it is a phishing scam.

Thousands of emails have reportedly been sent this month as the deadline approaches for self-assessment tax forms to be in by the 31st. HMRC also warns that this scam is likely continue post deadline as this is when the real tax refunds will be made.

The scam is not unusual in the sense that it claims to be communication from a trusted company and asks for your credit/debit card details. What is unusual about it is its effectiveness in catching people out, its genuine look and perfect timing may be pulling unsuspecting tax payers in by the minute.

Like in most cases of this kind, those who hand over their bank details are in serious danger of having their account emptied, credit cards maxed out and run the risk of having their details sold on.

Lesley Strathie, HMRC chief executive spluttered: "This is the most sophisticated and prolific phishing scam that we have encountered. I would strongly encourage anyone receiving such an email to send it to us for investigation."

HMRC also wants to make it clear that it never sends this kind of communication via email or telephone – all tax payment information will be sent by post.

Examples of this scam can be seen on the HMRC website, so you can be clear about what to look out for.

The advice issued today is to forward unopened any email which appears in your inbox and sounds like a scam to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. If you do open the email, make sure you don’t click on any links contained within it.

If you’re still unsure send your spam over to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm. μ