Fake HMRC scam letters are nothing new. Over the years, we have seen many tax scams. However, a new scam alert has recently been issued by HMRC and we’ve recently seen instances of a fraudulent letter being sent to clients.

The latest scam asks the recipient to verify their financial information with HMRC. BEWARE! These letters are not being issued by HMRC, and this correspondence is a scam letter.

Read more below about this latest scam, how to identify it and how to stay safe in the future.

Things to look out for in this new scam letter are:

• The address that the letter is from is the “Indv and Small Business Compliance” at HMRC. It also says ISBC Direct Tax Repayments Credibility.
• The title of the letter is “We need to verify your financial information”.
• The first line of the letter says it is a recent government initiative aimed at verifying declared income.
• The letter asks the recipient to verify their financial information by sending a wide range of documents by email. Documents requested include business bank statements, filed accounts and VAT returns. and a copy of a passport or driving license for each director.
• The reply email address being used for this HMRC scam letter is verification@hmrc-review.com. This is a false email address. HMRC will only ever email you about a tax details, a tax rebate or ask for personal or payment information from an email address that ends in hmrc.gov.uk.

How to deal with HMRC scams and stay safe online

HMRC’s advice

A HMRC spokesperson has confirmed that these letters are fraudulent and HMRC scams advice provides information on how to stay safe online. Our top 10 tips for staying safe are:

1. For any letter received that looks like ‘official correspondence’ requesting documents, information or money, you need to step back and think before taking any action.
2. If you are unsure about an item of correspondence you have received that looks like it is from HMRC, then you should check at the online government website GOV.UK to see if the contact is genuine or a scam.
3. You can report suspicious HMRC correspondence such as emails, text messages and phone calls to HMRC via their website here.
4. Do not give out private information such as bank details or identity details following any correspondent. Don’t click links, download anything or reply to a letter, email or phone call that you think is suspicious. Check on the government or suppliers official website first. If you think a scam has come from a bank, other supplier etc, then contact them immediately to check if the correspondence is fraudulent using verified email addresses and telephone numbers found online.
5. Do not trust caller ID on phones as phone numbers can be spoofed.
6. If you have had or feel you may have money stolen, contact your bank immediately to stop the payment if possible.
7. If you receive text messages that claim to be HMRC, report these immediately to HMRC. HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by text message.
8. If you receive a suspicious phone call, don’t provide any information and don’t call them back on any number they provide. You should find an official telephone number online for public bodies such as HMRC and speak to someone to see if the call was genuine. Report a suspicious HMRC phone call
9. You can also report any fraud, scam, or cybercrime to Action Fraud any time of the day or night using their online reporting tool.
10. Cross-reference as much information as possible before taking any action, such as giving information, transferring money or clicking links.

Summary

Cybercrime, scams and identity theft are on the increase across the globe. Scammers and cybercriminals are becoming increasingly clever at how to mimic government messages and correspondence with genuine-looking logos etc.

This latest HMRC scam letter warning is just one of many scams that are now being run by criminals. Do not reply to these letters, send requested documents or use the email address provided. Our advice is to always verify official communications before providing any information, transferring any money opening, or clicking links in emails or text messages.

If you are a Barnes Roffe client and you have received a letter from HMRC and you are unsure if it is genuine, contact us.

 Further information

For more advice on how to stay safe online, visit the new Home Office ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ website.

Check HMRC scams advice online for detailed information of the latest scams and advice. CLICK HERE.

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