HMRC warning as people could lose out on cash

HM Revenue and Customs has issued a warning to people who may lose out on their hard-earned cash. It comes after the issue was highlighted on BBC's Morning Live on Monday.

HMRC is the government department that collects tax, as well as distributing some benefits, among other services. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today HMRC said: "SCAM ALERT! Today's @BBCMorningLive show warned customers about some of the latest scams. You can check if a letter you've received from HMRC is genuine and report it to us using [this link]".

A clip from this morning's programme saw a HMRC letter scam being discussed, whereby people are receiving mail that looks like it is official. Viewers were urged to look out for giveaways such as "Dear Sir or Madam" being used, rather than their name, and a return postal or email address that clearly doesn't belong to HMRC.

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Gov.uk advice goes on to say: "It could be a scam if it rushes you, is threatening, is unexpected, asks for personal information like bank details, tells you to transfer money, and/or offers a refund, tax rebate or grant."

If you think you may have given your personal details to somebody you shouldn't have, HMRC advises you contact its security team. Its advice continues: "Include brief details of what you disclosed (for example name, address, HMRC User ID, password) but do not give your personal details in the email."

Fraudsters pose as organisations and government departments in a bid to get their hands on people's money. You can find out more about how to keep yourself safe here