Business News

October 2011

Three–fold increase in tax scam emails

HM Revenue and Customs say the number of scam "phishing" emails has increased by more than 300% over the past year.

The figure comes in the lights of HMRC's warning about the scam emails which aim to steal individuals' bank account details.

The scam messages inform the recipient that they are due a tax rebate and provide a link to a replica of the HMRC website. Visitors are then asked to enter their credit card details which are used to attempt to take funds from their accounts.

According to HMRC, almost 24,000 "phishing" emails were sent in August this year, a three–fold increase from 2010.

The agency is currently shutting down 100 scam websites a month.

Joan Wood, Director of HMRC Online and Digital, said: "We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We currently don't use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances. If anyone receives an email claiming to be from HMRC, please send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it permanently.

"The increase in reports is partly due to improved awareness of this scam. However, I have no doubt that more of these "phishing" emails are in general circulation than ever before.

"HMRC will do everything possible to ensure those receiving this email know what steps to take to protect their information, and we are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to target the criminals behind this serious crime and see them brought to justice."

LINK – Reports to HMRC of fraudulent emails soar