HMRC issues warning on scam emails

Date: 3rd July 2008

Charities receiving tax advice emails from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have been advised to be on their guard by the department.

Correspondence bearing HMRC's heading has been received by a number of amateur sports clubs and charitable bodies asking for bank details so that a repayment can be made.

However, those involved in business accounting at such organisations are being advised that these emails are part of a phishing scam and should be disregarded.

"HMRC Charities will never contact your charity or community amateur sports club by email for this type of information, but you may be confused if you have recently submitted a repayment claim," warned the service.

Other tax advice recently issued by HMRC includes guidelines on receiving Self Assessment repayments by cheque.

Those who would prefer to receive repayments in this way should leave the bank details section of the tax return blank and inform their tax office of their preference after submitting the form.

For more information about tax returns please click here