HMRC FRAUD MESSAGES
A further short reminder as we approach the deadline for Self-Assessment returns. Whilst criminals may impersonate HMRC at any time, the period up to deadlines is a key time to be aware of emails, texts, or even phone calls, claiming to be from HMRC.

HMRC will never send a request for your bank account details, personal information or notify you be text or email about Tax Rebates, and Tax Refunds. Do not be tempted to click on any links in such emails.

Criminals often use threatening language in messages and phone calls which is to pressurise you into acting too quickly without thinking – if in doubt, then just hang up, wait a while, then call back on the genuine HMRC number which you can find on www.gov.uk or on any HMRC correspondence you have.

Criminals will take advantage of the Self-Assessment deadline to panic you into sharing personal or financial details, or even paying bogus “Tax Due”. 

So please take a moment to think before parting with any information or money. If in doubt, check with HMRC using reliable contact details provided by them. HMRC also will never ask for payment with Gift Cards which appears in some fraudulent messages.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR: 
•    Criminals may text or email people to tell them they are due a Tax Rebate from HMRC; this may also include a link that asks for personal details which can be used for further scams
•    Criminals are also using phone calls to gain people’s details
•    Automated phone calls may be used to say people owe tax, and arrest warrants may be issued by HMRC unless they pay the outstanding tax
•    Fake web pages have also been used which can copy the genuine HMRC website

HOW TO REPORT:

•    Forward entire Scam text messages to 60599
•    Report Phishing Emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours
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If you’ve fallen for fraud

Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Fake Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks