HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent warning to taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams that pertain to a fraudulent refund or rebate.

The Express reports that HMRC states that it is always detecting new scams and fraudulent activity, and the latest attempt at duping customers is with a fake tax refund or rebate. The taxman has urged customers to review its scams checklist to ensure they are not caught out by unscrupulous criminals.

HMRC has offered guidance to people on how they can identify tax-related scam phone calls, emails and text messages in the form of a checklist to follow so people can easily identify scams.

HMRC detailed contact through phone calls, emails and text messages could be a scam if it:
• Is unexpected
• Offers a refund, tax rebate or grant
• Asks for personal information like bank details
• Is threatening
• Tells a person to transfer money

It also highlighted some other key signs to look out for

Suspicious phone calls. Customers are assured that HMRC will:

• Only ever call you asking about a claim or payment on a debt that you already know about
• Never leave a voicemail threatening legal action
• Never give the reason for a call on a voice message

WhatsApp messages and gift or payment vouchers

HMRC stated that any communication through WhatsApp claiming to be representing the taxman will be a scam, and any such messages should be screenshotted and forwarded as an email to the organisation.

Recent YouGov research showed as many as one in four Britons receive scams every day (25 per cent) rising to one in three Britons aged over 65 (31 per cent).

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