The national reporting agency for cybercrime and fraud, Action Fraud, publicised the existence of two new email scams recently. This was after hundreds of reports from members of the public. One of the emails says its from HMRC meaning your personal details could be at risk.
They look genuine
These dangerous phishing websites are disguised as legitimate PayPal and HMRC communications. They look plausible but the embedded link takes customers to illegal, fake sites whose sole purpose is to steal your tax, financial and other personal information.
The most recent fake PayPal email asks you to click on a link in order to ‘Update their accounts’. Action Fraud commented: “We receive reports of PayPal scams all the time but this version is interesting because it list activities which the account holder can and cannot do until they update their account.
If you click on the ‘update my account’ link you will be directed to a page designed to steal your personal information.” PayPal only ever request personal details after you have chosen to log in to your account in the usual secure manner. They never send emails asking for your information.
Don’t click unless you are sure
This current HMRC email scam tells you to click on a link that will enable you to get a tax rebate and contains the phrase ‘tax return notification’. When you open the link you are told to enter your debit/credit card details. Action Fraud have received 150 different reports concerning this particular email scam. HMRC do not request your personal details by email and never send penalty or tax rebate notifications by email.
Be careful
It is essential to exercise caution when responding to any email that requests your financial or personal information. Scam websites and emails are increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to discern the real from the fake. If you hear any internal alarm bells, simply do not comply with the email’s instructions. If you do receive a fake email, it is best to report it to Action Fraud so that a warning can be issued and the perpetrators investigated.
