Tax & Accounting News

Over 180 fake tax websites shut down

24/08/2010

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned taxpayers to be on their guard against so-called ‘phishing’ attacks – where fake emails direct them towards websites where their financial details are stolen – after shutting down more than 180 such sites over the past three months.

The emails claim to be offering a tax refund, and direct the recipient to the phoney website where they are asked to enter their bank account information, which is then used by criminals who attempt to empty the accounts concerned.

There has also been a surge in fraudsters making phone calls to people, pretending to be from HMRC. They claim the person they are calling is due a tax refund, and again ask for their bank account details.

HMRC has reminded taxpayers that it only ever contacts them by post, not phone or email. It said anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the department should report it by the police, while fake emails should be forwarded to HMRC and then deleted.