Alert: Avoid and report internet scams and phishing emails
27/07/2016
HMRC have received a number of reports of people receiving scam or phishing emails and text messages that appear to be from HMRC.
Although this correspondence may look like it has been received as part of an official government service, HMRC will never use text or email to:
- notify you of a tax rebate or penalty,
- ask for personal details, or
- ask for payment information.
As a result of the increasing issues with misleading correspondence, HMRC has issued guidance on recognising scams,. Please refer to this guidance if you are in any doubt about whether correspondence you receive is genuine.
Reporting suspicious activity
If you are suspicious of any activity you have received, do not:
- give out any private information (such as bank details or passwords),•
- reply to text messages,
- download any attachments, or
- click any links in emails unless you are sure they are genuine.
Suspicious emails can be reported by forwarding them to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. Texts can be forwarded to 60599 (charged at your usual network rate).
For further advice, please contact the WMT tax team.
