Next time you receive an email or text message from the tax man, just delete it because it’s a scam.
Thousands of taxpayers have messages in their inboxes promising that HM Revenue & Customs has a tax rebate waiting for them.
While HMRC is processing refunds for overpayments in the last tax year, taxpayers are not told about the payment by email or text – only by letter.
And the tax authority never asks for bank account details or passwords to make the payment.
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.
Phishing fraudsters
“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.”
The scope of the problem is enormous.
In March, HMRC asked internet companies to take down 2,672 web sites put up by fraudsters to capture personal and banking data.
Also, 84,549 taxpayers reported receiving ‘phishing’ emails or texts.
“Many of these fraudulent emails and texts include links which take the user to dubious websites where their information can be stolen. These sites are a focus of HMRC’s efforts to tackle fraud,” said a spokesman.
Tax refunds
“Income Tax for the year 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 between June and October.
“If you haven’t paid the right amount at the end of the tax year, HMRC will post you a tax calculation. This can be a P800 or a Simple Assessment letter. If you have paid too much tax, the letter will explain how you can get your refund paid to you. If you have not paid enough tax, the letter will tell you how much you owe and how you can pay.”
