HMRC – suspicious communications

It is so difficult to get through to HMRC these days that anyone would probably be on alert if a communication is received from them, but practitioners should watch out. ICAEW members have reported an increase in fraudulent correspondence relating to VAT purporting to be from HMRC. Law firms may be next on the list.

HMRC has published how to report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts and phone calls and a list of genuine contacts, but what may be of most interest are examples of HMRC-related phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts. HMRC issues guidance about methods fraudsters use to try to obtain personal information by providing examples of scams identified by HMRC. Unsurprisingly the core guidance reminds people not to:

• click on the links to visit a website mentioned in a ‘tax rebate’ email;
• open any attachments; or
• disclose any personal or payment information.

HMRC reminds users that:

‘If you have subscribed to the UK government channel on WhatsApp you will receive updates that might include occasional tax-related reminders. These will be single message alerts and you will not be able to reply. HMRC will not communicate with you for any other reason using WhatsApp.’

HMRC never uses social media, such as X (formerly twitter) to:

• offer a tax rebate; or
• request personal or financial information.

‘Refund companies – HMRC is aware of companies that send emails or texts offering to claim tax refunds or rebates on your behalf, usually for a fee. These companies are not connected with HMRC in any way.’

Firms may wish to deliver some refresher training on these perennial problems. Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-fraudulent-emails.

 

 

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