HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned Brits over a raft of bank-emptying scams that seek to take advantage of the upcoming tax credits renewal deadline.
The taxman said credit claimants “should be on their guard” in the face of scammers trying to swindle them out of cash over the phone or email.
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“Criminals use deadlines – like the tax credits renewal deadline on 31 July – to target their victims and the department is warning around 1.5million tax credits customers to be alert to scams that mimic government communications to make them appear genuine,” the tax body wrote in a blog post.
“HMRC will never ring anyone out of the blue making threats or asking them to transfer money.”
These are the scams to watch out for, which can crop up anytime tax deadlines approach:
- 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, encouraged Brits to think twice when someone asks for personal information – or money.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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According to the National Cyber Security Centre, HMRC was the third most impersonated government body last year, following the NHS and TV Licensing.
Scam messages have become increasingly convincing in recent years, as tech users become more savvy to scams they may encounter online.
Lisa Webb, Consumer Law Expert at consumer body Which?, said: “Scammers will use any hook they can to try and steal money and personal information from victims, and unfortunately HMRC’s tax credit renewals deadline will be no exception.
“With the HMRC deadline fast-approaching, people should be on alert for any texts, emails or phone calls which are received out of the blue asking them to pay for free government services or warning that their details are out of date.”
Tax credits customers should also be alert to misleading websites or even fake adverts.
HMRC is currently sending out tax credits renewal packs to customers.
Anyone who hasn’t received theirs yet has been advised to wait until after 15 June before contacting the tax body.
Alternatively, customers can renew their tax credits for free via GOV.UK or the HMRC app.
If you think you have received a scam call or text, you can report it by forwarding it to this number: 7726.
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