Police around the UK have been warning the public about an increase in malicious phone calls and emails purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Edinburgh Live reports that criminals have been spoofing genuine HMRC phone numbers to deceive victims into believing they are liable to prosecution from non-payment of tax, following this with the suggestion they can avoid this by making a payment immediately.

HMRC have stated that in genuine cases of non-payment, contact would be initially made via letter, and follow up with a phone call later. HMRC will not call to discuss something you are not aware of and would never demand immediate payment.

We have some tips to help spot fraudulent phone calls:

• Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up.
• Legitimate organisations wouldn’t ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher.
• Know who you’re dealing with – if you are unsure or need help, talk to someone you know or get in touch with trading standards.
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision.
• Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information.

Meanwhile, the new lockdown has presented cybercriminals and fraudsters with a fresh opportunity for phishing email scams, this time pretending to be HMRC offering a tax refund.

Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, says it has received reports of the scam reported to be from the HMRC/Gov.uk website.

The fake email claims to offer a tax refund to the recipient but first, the scammers require the person’s proof of identity, proof of address and a photograph of themselves showing their passport, including the sensitive details it contains.

Action Fraud warned the public to be extra vigilant, saying: “We are aware of scammers claiming to be from HMRC offering financial support as a result of coronavirus.

“If you receive a text, email or call claiming to be from HMRC that asks you to click on a link or give info such as your name, credit card or bank details, it’s a scam.”

The emails are designed to appear as though they are coming from the .gov website and they inform the recipient that they must click on a link or download an attachment to claim their tax refund under the government’s new coronavirus tax refund program.

The message will likely also state that recipients have a limited time to claim the refund, adding a sense of urgency.

If you think you’ve been scammed report it via 101 and contact your bank.  For further advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133, or Visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

For advice and guidance on suspicious emails or ‘phishing’ emails or text messages, The National Cyber Security Centre Take advantage of the free online training to learn more about different types of scams and how to protect yourself and others.

If you’re looking for tax planning accountants, talk to us today.