Look Out for Scammers!
Published: 30/06/2023
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has released a warning of the latest tactics being employed by scammers.
Criminals use deadlines – like the Tax Credits renewal deadline on 31 July – to target their victims, so tenants should 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
Scam messages can be convincing, and individuals may be pressured into make rushed decisions. HMRC will never ring anyone out of the blue making threats or asking them to transfer money.
Visit GOV.UK for information on how to report a scam or suspicious activity.
