Swindon law firm Lemon&Co is warning tax credit claimants not to fall victim to fraudsters in the run-up to the renewal deadline this Sunday.
The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reporting a surge of ‘phishing’ emails which tell recipients they are due a tax rebate and provide a click-through link to a fake HMRC website.
Claimants are then asked to provide credit or debit card details which fraudsters can use to access personal accounts.
Lemon&Co, tax advisor Gail Leece said: “The level of accuracy and work that has gone into these emails is not to be underestimated and people who are looking to rush through their claim could be at risk.
“The HRMC contacts customers due a refund in writing and by post only. It does not use telephone calls, emails or external companies. Anything else is to be treated with absolute caution.
The HMRC is advising that anyone who receives an email claiming to be from HMRC to forward it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it.
