Four Shires Magazine

Once again computer fraud is in the news because of a new tax refund e-mail scam asking for credit card details (aka "Phishing"). Clearly, there are people out there who are desperate to get their hands on your money, and are now resorting to falsely impersonating HM Revenue and Customs officers.

The e-mails, claiming to be from HMRC, tell the recipient they are due a tax refund and that they should click on a link to access the form for their tax refund where they will then be asked for bank account or credit card details so that the alleged refund can be paid in.

This year alone, there have been 8 known HMRC related scams. You need to be alert to this and remember always to double check with your accountant if you are in any doubt before acting and/or undertake the following three steps as a matter of course:

1. Always verify the source of an enquiry on any personal matter. Never release details without checking and give yourself time to do this (for example, say that you will call back if the request is by telephone)
2. Do not deal with the UK tax authorities by e-mail. Anyone purporting to represent HMRC by e-mail is not legitimate. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have made it clear that they will not contact taxpayers by e-mail.
3. Speak to your tax adviser whenever you are contacted direct by someone about your tax affairs and they will deal with HMRC on your behalf.