Don’t fall victim to con trick warns tax office

Taxpayers in the UK are being warned not to fall victims of fraud following reports that a new con sees thieves pretending to be from the tax office.

Fraudsters are phoning people up pretending their intended victim is due for a tax rebate and asking for bank card details over the phone.

People falling victim to the trick risk losing all the money in the account and their personal details sold on to criminal gangs.

According to HMRC, there has been a recent surge in fraudulent emails reported to the tax office with more than 180 fake websites being closed down.

In the past 18 months, scam networks have been closed in countries including Austria, Mexico, Thailand and South Korea as well as in the UK.

Director of Customer Contact at HMRC warns that customers entitled to a tax refund will only be informed by post.

He said: “We never use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances. We strongly urge anyone receiving such a phone call not to give any information to the caller, but report it to the police straight away.”

Customers are also urged to report any emails claiming to be from the tax office to HMRC immediately.

People receiving a fake email can visit:  www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/index.htm