Scam Warning: Automated Tax Refund Notification

It has been brought to ICS’ attention that unsolicited e-mails are being received across the county claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customers (HMRC) saying that the person is eligible to receive a tax refund of several hundred pounds.

The scam tricks the recipient into completing an online claim form requesting various pieces of personal information, including bank account or credit card details, so that the fictitious tax refund can be paid out. Once the fraudsters have this information, they can then empty the bank account or use the credit card for unauthorised purchases.

HMRC only ever contact customers who are due a refund in writing by post. They never use emails or telephone calls in these circumstances. County Councillor Albert Atkinson said, “Criminals obtaining the personal details will then use them for fraudulent means. Consumers should never respond to unsolicited emails that request bank, credit card or other personal details”.

Certain sender email addresses have already been identified as being linked to this scam. These include refundtax@hmrc.gov.co.uk, service@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and hmrc@hmrc.gov.uk. Emails often start with a sentence such as: “Following a review of your fiscal activity you are due a refund of tax of £…”

HMRC continues to work with law enforcement agencies on this issue. Anyone receiving suspicious emails should forward them to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then immediately delete the email from your computer. Under no circumstances should you respond to the email or follow any links contained within.