Unfortunately scam phishing emails are on the increase again, with a reported 74,743 scam emails referred by taxpayers to HM Revenue & Custom’s (HMRC’s) dedicated phishing email account in the last 6 months – a significant increase on the same period in 2013.
Many people are now aware of the dangers of unsolicited emails; however, with the increasingly realistic and often feasible examples being dreamt up by cyber fraudsters it is certainly getting harder to tell the difference. Below is a recent example of the detail and design of these emails – the colours and typeface are startlingly similar to HMRC’s actual website.
By clicking on the link and ‘claiming your tax refund’ you will be directed to a fake website and encouraged to enter your personal bank details.
Please remember that HMRC will NEVER contact you by email regarding a tax refund but will always send a letter by post. If you receive one of these emails please forward it onto phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it.
Phishing emails account for billions of pounds worth of fraud every year. To help stay safe online you can visit www.getsafeonline.co.uk
The information in this article was correct at the date it was first published.
However it is of a generic nature and cannot constitute advice. Specific advice should be sought before any action taken.
If you would like to discuss how this applies to you, we would be delighted to talk to you. Please make contact with the author on the details shown below.
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