Beware scams, warns HMRC

by Michael Blaken

HMRC is issuing another warning about scams, this one aimed at tax credit claimants and taxpayers making their summer payments on account.

The new alert points out that criminals use deadlines, like July 31 – which is the deadline for both tax credits renewals and tax payment on account – to target their victims.

The department wants its 1.5 million tax credits customers to 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; and
• emails or texts offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants or support.

Sadly, scam tactics abound and the bogus ones that look like they come from HMRC can appear very convincing. If you’re not sure about something, or are looking for help with your tax, please get in touch with the tax team here at Optimum.