Tax Fraud Scam

Taxpayers are being advised to be on their guard against fraudsters sending fake letters claiming to come from the HMRC.

Fraudsters already target internet users by 'phishing' with scam emails purporting to come from HMRC that offer ‘tax rebates’ in exchange for bank details.

HMRC says it will not be contacting taxpayers affected by the blunder via email or telephone nor will it ask for bank details.

The first batch of 45,000 letters from HMRC are being sent out this week, telling recipients they owe more tax or are entitled to a rebate.

There is the potential that fraudsters will use fake letters in addition to e mail. If you get a letter you should check with HMRC that the address it has come from is a genuine tax office and is not bogus.

(Information provided by the HRMC)

To report incidents or for up to date advice members of the public can contact Action Fraud - the UK's national, government led, fraud reporting centre which offers advice, support and prevention advice on fraud including fraud types, trends and current national scams - www.actionfraud.co.uk