Don't be caught out by 'phishing'

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers not to fall victim to 'phishing' emails sent out by fraudsters in the run-up to the self-assessment deadline of January 31.

The email tells the recipient they are due a tax rebate, and provides a link to a clone of HMRC's website where the recipient is asked to give their credit card or bank details. Fraudsters then try to take money from the account using the details provided.

In the last three months, HMRC has helped shut down 185 websites that were responsible for sending out the fake tax rebate emails.

Joan Wood, Director of HMRC Online and Digital said: "We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We currently don't use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances. If anyone receives an email claiming to be from HMRC, please send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it permanently.

"HMRC will do everything possible to ensure those people receiving this email know what steps to take to protect their information, and we are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to target the criminals behind this serious crime and see them brought to justice."

The scam email often begins with a sentence such as 'we have reviewed your tax return and our calculations of your last years accounts a tax refund of XXXX is due.' Legitimate tax rebate forms (P800s) from HMRC will contain a payment order and will never ask for credit or debit card details.