If you have ever received an email telling you about a tax rebate or asking you to pay a bill – it is NOT from HMRC. They never do either of these things by email and neither do they ask for personal or payment information by email.
It’s the Self Assessment tax return deadline soon and it’s common for an increase in fake emails to be sent.
If you receive such an email, please report it immediately to:
When HMRC email
HMRC only get in touch about your confidential information by phone or post.
Fraudulent emails often ‘look right’ and may even contain links to actual HMRC pages in order to bolster the scam. Even if you then investigate the legitimacy of the website, they are also often well-designed and sometimes seem to offer real help with financial matters. Bogus HMRC websites may have boxes for you to fill in with personal details and links to building societies or banks.
Remember – HMRC will never ask for any of your personal, financial details in an email. If in doubt: don’t fill anything in, don’t open any attachments and don’t click on any links.
Report any emails you receive
Even if you have protected yourself by not responding to an email information request, it is still vital that you report any phishing emails to the address above. Likewise with any suspicious websites, texts or calls you receive. This is the best way you can help shut down those masquerading as HMRC, in order to part you from your money.
