Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Watch Out for UK Tax Scams Posing as HMRC

Taxes are something that we all grumble about, but recently, the ability for us to pay our taxes and make changes online has made life a little easier. However, as with all websites revolving around our personal finances, HMRC is a hotspot for hackers and online criminals eager to take your details, and your hard-earned cash. After all, the last thing you want when you’re forking out money for the government is to get conned out of more money in an online scam. So you can browse with confidence, here are some top tips on staying safe and vigilant when you’re using HM Revenue and Custom’s online system.

1. Know what they want

Although HMRC may require some of your banking details, they will never ask for your PIN number, or any passwords required for accessing the online banking services you use. If you receive an email asking for these details, or visit a HMRC page which appears to be asking for them, then do not enter the details you’re being asked for and close the browser straight away – you’re being targeted by an online hacker. The same is true for phone calls – HMRC would never ask for banking details like these over the phone.

2. Stop searching

Rather than heading to Google and typing in HMRC, type the actual web address into your address bar (the address for HMRC is www.hmrc.gov.uk). If you use a search engine to find HMRC, you could get a results page full of fake sites controlled by hackers, so the only way you can be sure that you’re heading to the right place is to type in the address yourself.

3. Update, update, update

If you’re making regular payments or amendments on HMRC online, you should ensure that your computer is equipped with legitimate and effective anti-virus software with a firewall facility, such as McAfee. By ensuring that you have the latest official anti-virus package, it’s less likely that you will fall foul of an online scam. In addition, make sure that your computer’s operating system is updated whenever necessary – most modern computers will prompt you when your operating system is due for an update.

4. The subject matter

If you receive an email from “HMRC”, but the text in the “subject” field is completely unrelated to taxes (or whatever else it is you use the website for) then do not open it, and delete it straight away. Government websites, or any websites dealing with money such as banking websites, will have a subject that is straightforward, factual and relevant to you as a consumer. Don’t be lured into opening virus-filled emails because of a tempting subject line, it could be the start of a slippery slope.

 

Article by Connor Sephton, 26th January 2012. Content correct at the date of publication.