HMRC WARNING OVER BOGUS EMAILS (08/02/10)

HMRC is warning individuals to be increasingly vigilant after a new spate of email scams.

The practice – known as phishing – involves fraudsters tricking people to enter confidential information over the Internet, usually for the promise of some kind of monetary reward, such as a tax rebate.

In the most recent scam, individuals have received an email purporting to be from 'HMRC Online services - test@test.com', stating that they have “1 new ALERT message”, and that they should “log into their Online Account to read the message”.

HMRC is making it clear that it has not issued this bogus email and is warning anyone who receives it not to open it: the email contains a link to a fraudulent website that requests the disclosure of personal account information and password. If you have received a copy, HMRC is asking for it to be forwarded at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.

It is also aware of a company that is issuing emails to advertise their service that applies for a rebate of National Insurance on the customer’s behalf, usually for a fee. Again, HMRC says these companies are not affiliated with it in any way.

“The use of online services by tax agents and advisers to handle their clients' tax affairs continues to grow, due in part to mandatory requirements, but also because of the speed and accuracy they offer,” states HMRC.

“It's therefore vitally important that you protect your log in details and passwords as they allow access to your entire registered client base. If your confidential online credentials fall into the wrong hands, fraudsters may have the ability to generate spurious repayments and direct them to third parties without the knowledge of HMRC, you or your tax agent.”

• HMRC is trialing new ways to contact its customers. As part of these trials you may be contacted by SMS text message. You will be asked to telephone HMRC on Tel 0845 300 3900.

If you receive an SMS text message claiming to be from HMRC asking you to contact any number other than Tel 0845 300 3900, you should not respond to the number but instead report the matter to your HMRC Contact Centre.

This warning only applies to any SMS text messages from HMRC. It does not apply to any messages left in person by HMRC officers asking you to ring them back at your local office.