300% hike in fraudulent ‘phishing’ mails

Victims risk not only having their bank accounts emptied but also their personal details being sold on to other organised criminal gangs.

Almost 24000 such emails were reported to HMRC in August alone – an increase of nearly 300 per cent compared to the same month last year. HMRC is currently helping to shut down around 100 scam websites a month.

Joan Wood, Director of HMRC Online and Digital, said: “We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We don’t use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances.

“If anyone receives an email claiming to be from HMRC, please send it to [email protected] before deleting it permanently.

“The increase in reports is partly due to improved awareness of this scam however, I have no doubt that more of these ‘phishing’ emails are in general circulation than ever before.

“HMRC will do everything possible to ensure those receiving this email know what steps to take to protect their information, and we are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to target the criminals behind this serious crime and see them brought to justice.”