Look out for unofficial HMRC emails

North Wales based accountants Pritchett & Co Limited is warning people to be aware of fraudulent emails and imitation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) websites.

The number of so-called ‘phishing’ emails – correspondence designed to acquire sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details – is likely to increase as scammers look to prey on unsuspecting taxpayers. Purporting to come from HMRC, they often demand payment or claim that a refund is due.

James Hastings from Pritchett & Co Limited said: “HMRC will never inform you about a tax rebate or penalty by email, so if you receive one of these messages, report it immediately by forwarding the message to: phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk”.

“Also, be suspicious of emails that request personal or payment information such as usernames, passwords, bank or card details, and messages that use a vague non-specific greeting, such as ‘Dear customer’.”

As well as phishing emails, copycat websites exist that outwardly appear to be official and part of a Government service. However, there is a risk that if you use one of these sites, you could end up paying for services that you could get for free by using the official service.

“People should be very careful about which website they are on before providing their personal information,” added James Hastings.

For more information please contact us at info@pritchettandco.co.uk or call us on 01492 534250.

The author is a director at Pritchett & Co Limited, Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers, members of UK200Group with offices throughout the UK and Associates overseas.