Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Tax rebate fraudsters out to steal your cash

Don't celebrate too much if you receive an email from the taxman telling you to expect a tax rebate - it's probably a scam.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the latest target of internet fraudsters trying to con their way in to your bank account to clean out your cash.

The taxman is warning that these fraudsters are sending out thousands of scam mails to unsuspecting people every day.

If you receive an email with a form attached like the one below, then forward the message and attachment to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk so they can warn other people about the scam.

If you reply by filling in your credit card details as requested, you are simply passing your financial information to a fraudster who will run up bills on your card.

This is not the only tax scam scheme doing the rounds. HMRC also warns con artists are telephoning people to demand VAT and customs payments on impounded parcels.

Variations on the theme include an email requesting you fill out a customs declaration to release an impounded parcel. This email contains a virus that can damage the data on your hard drive and also allow fraudsters to take over your computer remotely.

If you receive emails or telephone calls from someone purporting to be from HMRC, then take a few checks to protect your personal and financial information.

• Look for the 'padlock' icon in your browser when you log on to HMRC web services. If the padlock is absent from the bottom right corner, you do not have a secure connection and may be connected to a scam web site.
• Scam emails are not addressed to you by name generally, but "Dear customer" or some similar phrase.
• Checking the sender's email address does not always show up a fraudster - it's easy for a computer expert to insert a false sender address in to an email. If in doubt, do not respond.
• Don't click on links in emails on web pages that you think are suspect - the sites at the end of these links may be set up for detecting keyboard strokes when you enter a user name or password or to download a virus to your system.
• If you receive a telephone call from HMRC, don't ring back the number the person gives you - it could be anywhere. Instead, call your own tax office direct. The number is on the official HMRC web site
• If you think you have a dodgy email, then don't respond and again call your tax office direct. Someone there will confirm if HMRC has tried to contact you or not.

For more information about scammers impersonating the tax man, check out the HMRC web site for regular updates.

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