HMRC warns tax credit customers of further scams
The tax authority is also urging tax credits customers to be alert to misleading websites or adverts asking them to pay for government services which are free, often by charging for a connection to HMRC helplines
HMRC has issued a new alert, providing details of a number of new scams reported that aim to trick people into handing over money or personal information.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre, HMRC was the third most spoofed government body in 2022, behind the NHS and TV Licensing.
Criminals use deadlines, such as the tax credits renewal deadline on 31 July, to target their victims and the department is warning around 1.5 million tax credits customers to be alert to scams that mimic government communications to make them appear genuine.
The tax authority has warned that typical scam examples include emails or texts claiming an individual’s details aren’t up to date or that a direct debit payment hasn’t ‘gone through’, phone calls threatening arrest if people don’t immediately pay fake tax owed,claims that the victim’s national insurance number has been used in fraud and emails or texts offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants or support.
Scam messages can be convincing, and individuals may be pressured into making rushed decisions. However HMRC has reinstated that it will never call anyone making threats or asking them to transfer money.
HMRC is also urging tax credits customers to be alert to misleading websites or adverts asking them to pay for government services which are free, often by charging for a connection to HMRC helplines.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “Tax scams come in many forms and we’re urging customers to be alert to the tactics used by fraudsters and never to let yourselves be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC and asks you to give personal information or urgently transfer money, be on your guard.”
