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Scam emails double during Tax Credits renewal period
FRAUDSTERS are targeting Tax Credits claimants with scam
emails, fake websites and text messages in the run up to the 31 July 2015, renewals
deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have again warned the public.
New statistics show that nearly 51,000 phishing emails were reported to HMRC
between April and July last year, double the number for the same period in
2013.
Some of these scam messages claim to be from a "Tax Credit Office Agent"
offering a Tax refund, or include a link to a fake version of the GOV.UK
website. People are often asked to provide bank details or other sensitive
information such as passwords. Fraudsters then try to take money from their
account, or sell their identities to criminals.
Last year, HMRC worked with other agencies to shut down 8,877 of these scam
websites, a 500% increase against 2013's figures, and the message to Tax Credits customers this year is to stay vigilant.
Nick Lodge, Director General of Benefits and Credits, HMRC, said:- "HMRC
will never ask people to disclose personal information by email. We have cracked
down on phishing emails and scam websites, but the fraudsters' methods are
constantly changing, so people must remain vigilant.
The only way to renew Tax Credits and report changes online is on GOV.UK."
HMRC has advice on recognising scam emails, and how to report them, on
online.
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