HMRC has issued a warning to tax credits customers, who are renewing their tax credits claims as scammers are attempting to steal their personal information.
The tax credits renewal deadline falls on July 31, so criminals are using this time to pose as HMRC and convince people to resend their personal details.
Tax credit claimants are urged “be on guard” against fraudsters as they target millions of Britons who are completing their tax credit renewals.
Consumer expert Gemma Godfrey warned viewers on ITV’s Lorraine this morning about what the scam entails.
She said: “You’ll get a text message or an email saying they need your latest details or that a payment hasn’t gone through or there’s a bonus grant people can claim.
“The worst thing is people are getting phone calls saying that you can be arrested if you don’t pay overdue taxes so of course you start to panic and give them details, but don’t.
“Never give your details away. They will never ring you , absolutely not. And you can always check the Government website yourself.
“Anything that you’re sent a link it’s very dangerous to click and follow.”
HMRC is warning around 1.5 million tax credits customers to be alert to scams that mimic Government communications to make them appear genuine.
Typical scam examples include:
- emails or texts claiming an individual’s details aren’t up to date and that they risk losing out on payments that are due to them
- emails or texts claiming that a direct debit payment hasn’t ‘gone through’
- phone calls threatening arrest if people don’t immediately pay fake tax owed
- claims that the victim’s national insurance number has been used in fraud
- emails or texts offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants or support
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “Tax scams come in many forms and we’re urging customers to be alert to the tactics used by fraudsters and never to let yourselves be rushed.
“If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC and asks you to give personal information or urgently transfer money, be on your guard.
“If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC and asks you to give personal information or urgently transfer money, be on your guard.
“Search ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK to find out how to report scams and help us fight these crimes.
“Scam messages can be convincing, and individuals may be pressured into make rushed decisions.”
It should be noted that HMRC will never ring anyone out of the blue making threats or asking them to transfer money.
For more information, Britons can visit the HMRC website.
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