HMRC ISSUES NEW SCAM ALERT

[HMRC has published details of a number of new scams reported that aim to trick people into handing over money or personal information.

The scammers 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.

Typical scams outlined by HMRC include:

• Emails or texts claiming an individual’s details aren’t up to date

• and that they risk losing out on payments that are due to them

• Emails or texts claiming 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

• Emails or texts offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants

• or support

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. Search ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK to find out how to report scams and help us fight these crimes.”

According to the National Cyber Security Centre, HMRC was the third most spoofed government body in 2022, behind the NHS and TV Licensing. 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. q