Tax Scams
HMRC Self Assessment Phishing ScamWith the 31st of January deadline for online self assessments drawing nearer, people and businesses are being targeted by scammers trying to steal taxpayer’s money.
Revenue and Customs officials warned of an unprecedented wave of false email messages and telephone calls.
Under the guise of HMRC, phishers are sending out sophisticated emails purporting to offer income tax rebate. Unsuspecting victims are invited to click on a link before being asked to enter personal banking or credit card details; which ultimately ends with them loosing large amounts of money. Victims are then directed to the official HMRC site.
According to the Press Association there have been 11,000 reported attempts since April 08
Anyone receiving an email of this nature is asked to treat it with suspicion.
HMRC has also issued a warning that the scam may also come in the form of a telephone call so to treat any call asking for personal details with caution. Asking the caller to confirm certain bits of personal information will ensure their validity.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News - 08/01/09
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hu9WbpdQP8q5GhSmlIHxpOr7tMMg - 08/01/09 Press Association