Scams Circulating as HMRC

Scams Circulating as HMRC

Scams are not a new thing as we all know but we have been made aware of more scams recently.

IF YOU RECEIVE ANYTHING FROM HMRC WHICH YOU HAVE NOT REQUESTED OR IS NOT HOW YOU USUALLY RECEIVE IT – STOP!

A couple of examples;

VAT Submission Scam

We have been made aware that there is a scam circulating with regards to VAT submissions asking you to scan a QR code and tap the link in 3 easy steps.

PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS – although the email is coming through as though it is from GOV.UK, it is a personal email address.

Tax Return Refund

With the many emails being sent from HMRC to encourage you to complete your self assessment – there are others telling you to click the link to claim your refund.

PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS – again this is a scam.

If you are not sure – please contact your accountant or HMRC directly.

If you believe your details have been compromised, please notify the police and obtain a crime reference number – you will then need to contact CIFAS (UK Fraud Prevention Service) who will advise you as to what to do next.

These are purely examples of 2 scams we have been made aware of this week, there will be others, so please think carefully before you click a link or scan a code or anything else that you are requested to do, which is not a regular request or you haven’t seen before.