HMRC shuts down 180 fake websites
Taxman warns customers to be on their guard against phishing attempts
HM Revenue and Customs has reported a surge in tax scam phishing attempts
after shutting down more than 180 websites responsible for sending out fake
emails.
The body also warned taxpayers to be on their guard for fraudsters posing as
HMRC agents on the phone, seeking account details.
Chris Hopson, director of customer contact, said HMRC only contacts
customers in writing by post.
“We never use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these
circumstances. We strongly urge anyone receiving such a phone call not to give
any information to the caller, but report it to the police straightaway,” he
said.
“If customers receive an email claiming to be from HMRC, we recommend they
send it to us for investigation before deleting it permanently.”
Further reading:
HMRC
targets £5bn with tax cheat clampdown
HMRC
prepares to cut jobs while tackling tax evasion