Surge in scam emails: But can you spot a fake vs real HMRC email?

Surge in scam emails: But can you spot a fake vs real HMRC email?

We are reminding clients to remain vigilant for HMRC scam emails. You should note that HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate / refund by email, or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email.

In this article we share some examples, so that you can test whether you could spot a scam email, plus a three point checklist to help you avoid falling victim to such scams.

Real or fake?Real or fake HMRC emails?

Can you tell if these examples are real or fake?

Click on the image to expand. The answers are at the bottom of the article.

HMRC’s checklist to help spot scammers

HMRC has developed a ‘Three-Point Protocol’, to help customers to differentiate between genuine HMRC emails and those sent by scammers.

1) HMRC emails to customers will only contain the following:

  • generic reminders e.g. to file your tax return and pay your bill by 31 January
  • notifications about a key change or event e.g. you have made a payment or your tax code has changed.

2) HMRC emails will never include:

  • financial information, such as details of outstanding payments or tax refunds
  • active links to a customer’s account, log-on pages, iForms
  • active links to sites outside HMRC or GOV.UK
  • attachments.

3) HMRC emails will always include the department’s logo and the customer’s full name, as held on their records.

What to do if you receive a scam email?

  • DO NOT click on any links in the email
  • DO NOT supply any personal information
  • DO NOT reply to the email or attempt to contact the senders
  • DO NOT supply any information on the bogus website if you have clicked a link in the email
  • DO NOT open any attachments on the email
  • REPORT any scam HMRC emails such as those offering a tax refund or requesting a specific payment by sending them to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.

Answer: They are all fake / scam emails.

HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate / refund by email, or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email. Do not open attachments/visit the websites within these emails or disclose any personal or payment information.

Further reading

You can see HMRC’s current list of genuine communications and further guidance on the HMRC website here.

457 304 Rouse Partners

Oscar Wingham

Oscar heads our tax department and provides advice on tax structuring, planning and compliance services to entrepreneurs and their businesses. See more

All stories by : Oscar Wingham

This information has been produced by Rouse Partners LLP for general interest. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of this information is accepted by Rouse Partners LLP. In all cases appropriate advice should be sought before making a decision.

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