HMRC issues warning over email and says 'do not engage with it'

HMRC has issued an "alert" to millions of taxpayers - and insisted: "Never." HMRC has moved to social media this week where it has rushed to issue a new scam warning and says "it will never ask you" to share details this way.

On Twitter/X, HMRC wrote: "SCAM ALERT. We've identified a new VAT email scam, which may encourage you to scan a QR code. HMRC will never ask you to submit personal information via a QR code. If you have received this email, do not engage, and report it to us using the link below."

Guidelines published on GOV.UK state that HMRC uses QR codes in letters and correspondence - but says this will usually take you to GOV.UK. You will never be taken to a page where you have to share personal information.

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You can check genuine HMRC contacts on GOV.UK. If you believe you've been sent a scam email, you can forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. For scam phone calls, fill out an online form, or for dodgy text messages, you can forward them to 60599.

In reply, a taxpayer said: "Are you also in the picture of the active scam where criminals are pretending to be working for HMRC, intimidating individuals over the phone, to extract personal details. Highly threatening and intimidating tactics."

"Thank you! We really don’t need any more fleecing! You guys do enough!" another sniped. Another said: "Biggest scam is HMRC calling taxpayers customers." Another said: "Thank you for keeping us safe"

On its website, HMRC says: "Forward suspicious emails to HMRC’s phishing team phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email."

It adds: "We may share your email address and phone number with other organisations to close down the scam."