Taxpayers targeted by internet fraudsters

Date: 1st February 2010

A number of British taxpayers who use HM Revenue & Customs' online self-assessment service have been targeted by online 'phishing' crooks, the government has warned.

Following the passing of HMRC tax return deadline yesterday (January 31st), the government has issued a warning for taxpayers not to respond to e-mails offering tax rebates.

According to HMRC, a number of people have been sent e-mails saying they are entitled to a tax refund and must fill in an online form with their personal details, in order to obtain the funds.

The government has warned that anyone who responds to such correspondence faces having their bank accounts and credit cards "emptied".

"We only ever contact customers who are due a refund in writing by post," an HMRC statement explained.

Taxpayers were also told that the department "never uses emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances" and were "strongly urged" to forward any suspect e-mails to HMRC to investigate.