Tax phishing twice as likely to net users as bank phishing

HMRC is being targeted by cybercriminals as they send out phishing, emails, a fraudulent way to obtain information, promising recipients a tax rebate.

Cybercriminals are twice as likely to succeed in swindling users out of money if they use the HMRC brand as opposed to a banks' according to internet security company Trusteer Rapport.

"Our research of millions of Internet users shows that the HMRC attacks are twice as successful as banking phishes for the simple reason that taxpayers are tempted by the prospect of a cash rebate direct to their bank account," said Mickey Boodaei, Trusteer's CEO.

"HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) would not inform customers of a tax rebate via email, or invite them to complete an online form to receive a rebate of tax " he added.

Just a week before the self-assessment filing deadline, 20,000 phishing emails were sent out offering a tax rebate if an online form was completed.
Over 6m self-assessment submissions were made online this year, breaking the previous record of 5.7m set last year.

Further reading:

Tax filers face 'phishing' email scam

Tax avoidance ruling could net HMRC £200m