Bogus HMRC emails on the rise

Date: 14th September 2011

Taxpayers have been warned to be vigilant over bogus emails claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The department has revealed that over the last year, incidents involving phishing scams have increased by 300 per cent.

As such, HMRC has warned taxpayers not to follow any instructions included in emails claiming to offer tax repayments.

Joan Wood, director of HMRC online and digital, said: "We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We currently don't use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances.

"The increase in reports is partly due to improved awareness of this scam. However, I have no doubt that more of these phishing emails are in general circulation than ever before."

Ms Wood added that HMRC is doing all it can to ensure those who receive the emails know what steps to take to avoid their information falling into the wrong hands.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher