Alert over email scam

Date published: 10/07/2008

A warning has been issued about a tax refund scam aimed at obtaining personal bank and credit card information.

Chartered accountants in Greater Manchester are alerting people about a bogus email purporting to come from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) designed to get hold of credit card details by offering a tax refund.

The email asks recipients to submit the information so that the refund can be paid directly into their credit card account.

HMRC has listed the scam on its website but chartered accountants are concerned that many people might be tricked into responding.

Rodger Owen, president of the Manchester Society of Chartered Accountants, said: “There is a possibility business owners and their staff might not read the email properly, putting them at risk of becoming victims of the fraudsters.

“At first glance, the tax refund document looks very convincing. Alarm bells should ring whenever you are asked to submit your credit card details as HMRC never requests this information.”

Those who suspect they have received the fraudulent message are advised to forward it to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and not follow any links.