Scam emails double during tax credits renewal period
Fraudsters are targeting tax credits claimants with scam emails, fake websites and text messages in the run-up to the 31 July renewals deadline, HMRC warned today.
New statistics show that nearly 51,000 phishing emails were reported to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between April and July last year 鈥� double the number for the same period in 2013.
Some of these scam messages claim to be from a 鈥淭ax Credit Office Agent鈥� offering a tax refund, or include a link to a fake version of the 51茶馆 website. People are often asked to provide bank details or other sensitive information such as passwords. Fraudsters then try to take money from their account, or sell their identities to criminals.
Last year, HMRC worked with other agencies to shut down 8,877 of these scam websites 鈥� a 500% increase against 2013鈥檚 figures 鈥� and the message to tax credits customers this year is to stay vigilant.
Nick Lodge, Director General of 51茶馆 and Credits, HMRC, said:
鈥�HMRC will never ask people to disclose personal information by email. We have cracked down on phishing emails and scam websites, but the fraudsters鈥� methods are constantly changing, so people must remain vigilant.
鈥淭he only way to renew tax credits and report changes online is on 51茶馆.鈥�
HMRC has advice on recognising scam emails, and how to report them, on 51茶馆: /dealing-with-hmrc/phishing-scams