HMRC Scams

As we enter the new tax year and you may be thinking about submitting your tax return to get your tax rebate as quick as possible you need to think about HMRC Scams. There are a myriad tactics employed by scammers who pose as HMRC officials in order to swindle money from unsuspecting individuals.

Fraudsters are employing various methods to target victims and drain their bank accounts, including through deceptive tax refund offers. These scams often manifest in the form of text messages, WhatsApp messages, and emails.

In HMRC impersonation scams, criminals typically aim to steal personal information and sensitive data. Therefore, it’s crucial for people not to click on links or respond to text messages claiming to offer tax refunds.

Here are some common HMRC scams to be aware of:

1. Bogus Tax Refund Offers: Scammers may send messages claiming that you are owed a tax refund, enticing you to provide personal information.
2. Threats of Legal Action: Fraudulent messages may assert that you owe taxes and face immediate legal repercussions if payment is not made promptly, creating a sense of urgency and panic to manipulate victims.
3. Fake HMRC Websites: Links to counterfeit HMRC websites are used to steal personal information when individuals enter their details.
4. Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers may request payment for taxes using unconventional methods such as gift cards or money transfers, while HMRC only accepts payments through specific legitimate channels.

Scammers posing as HMRC officials might send a text promising a tax refund, sometimes for a small amount. The psychological ploy behind these messages is to prompt recipients to click on attached links. Once clicked, these links lead to fraudulent websites or “call-handlers” that extract bank account details and passwords, resulting in financial losses instead of receiving a refund.

In other instances, scammers may call and threaten individuals with arrest or legal action if immediate payment is not made using Amazon or Google Play vouchers. They create time pressure to force quick decisions before victims fully comprehend the situation, leading them to divulge sensitive information.

It’s important to note that scammers can even manipulate Caller ID to mimic genuine HMRC numbers, adding a layer of credibility to their fraudulent calls.

Additionally, individuals should be cautious of fraudulent emails resembling official HMRC correspondence, as they often lead to fake websites designed to collect personal information.

Other HMRC-related scams include messages via WhatsApp, social media scams, solicitations from refund companies, and customs duty scams.

If you receive a suspicious message purporting to be from HMRC, refrain from responding and report it directly on the HMRC website to safeguard against potential financial fraud.

You can find more information on any of these topics by visiting the HMRC website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs

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