HMRC alerts taxpayers to fraudulent emails posing as Royal Mail deliveries
HMRC has issued a warning about fraudulent emails appearing in people's inboxes this week. As we approach the festive season, taxpayers are being advised to disregard deceptive emails related to Royal Mail deliveries.
One UK citizen took to Twitter to share details of an email they received. The individual asked: "@HMRCcustomers I've received an email saying Royal Mail tried to deliver a large letter from HMRC but couldn't. Please click to rearrange. This is a scam? " HMRC responded, confirming that the email was indeed a scam.
"Hi, this is not a genuine email. You need to report a tax scam email call here. You can also find detailed information about HMRC phishing and scams here."
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The taxpayer expressed their gratitude for the confirmation from the tax department.
"You are welcome and thanks for contacting us . Tell us how we did by completing our short survey at http://forms.office.com/e/aBFdaJHCej and help us improve the service we can offer you. Amandine," HMRC replied, reports Birmingham Live.
On its website, HMRC says: "Use the following checklist to decide if the contact you've received is a scam. You can use it for phone calls, emails and text messages."
If the message is urgent and threatening, it could be a scam, warns HMRC.
HMRC has issued a warning about potential scams, stating that an email could be fraudulent if it is unexpected, requests personal details such as bank information, or instructs you to transfer money. It could also be a scam if it promises a refund, tax rebate, or grant.
If you have disclosed personal information, you can report this to the HMRC security team. If you've fallen victim to a scam and suffered financial loss, you should report it to Action Fraud, or to Police Scotland on 101 if you reside in Scotland.