HMRC warning about tax refund email scam

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers to be on their guard against fraudulent phishing emails, after almost 75,000 fake emails were reported over the last six months.

The emails promise you a tax refund, and often ask for your name, address, date of birth, bank and credit card details – including passwords and your mother’s maiden name. If you provide the information, money may be stolen from your bank account and your details sold on to other criminal gangs, which can lead to identity theft.

If you are due for a tax refund, HMRC never contacts you by email – they always send a letter through the post.

If you get an email which claims to be from HMRC, and which offers you a tax refund, you should send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then permanently delete it.

You can check www.hmrc.gov.uk for online security advice from HMRC. You can see examples of phishing emails online at www.hmrc.gov.uk.