HMRC warns taxpayers of email scammers phishing

Wednesday, 19 October 2011 05:32

The news that six million people are set to receive tax rebates due to errors from the Inland Revenue has alerted potential scammers.

Internet scammers have immediately been in touch with taxpayers trying to entice them to pass on their bank details and other personal information.

Emails purporting to be from HMRC were sent yesterday and today after it was revealed that a PAYE tax collection error means that around six million people will receive rebates worth on average £300.

HMRC has confirmed that they would never ask for your personal details by email.

A spokeswoman for HMRC said: "We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We currently don't use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances.

"If anyone receives an email claiming to be from HMRC, please send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it permanently."

She added: "HMRC will do everything possible to ensure those receiving this email know what steps to take to protect their information, and we are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to target the criminals behind this serious crime and see them brought to justice.”

The errors made by HMRC mean that around 1 million people have underpaid tax and will have to repay some money or have it clawed back from future earnings via their tax code.

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