| HM Revenue and Customs
say the number of scam “phishing” emails
has increased by more than 300% over the
past year. The figure comes in the
lights of HMRC’s warning about the scam
emails which aim to steal individuals’
bank account details.
The scam messages inform the recipient
that they are due a tax rebate and provide
a link to a replica of the HMRC website.
Visitors are then asked to enter their
credit card details which are used to
attempt to take funds from their accounts.
According to HMRC, almost 24,000
“phishing” emails were sent in August this
year, a three-fold increase from 2010.
The agency is currently shutting down
100 scam websites a month.
Joan Wood, Director of HMRC Online and
Digital, said: “We only ever contact
customers who are due a tax refund in
writing by post. We currently don’t use
telephone calls, emails or external
companies in these circumstances. If
anyone receives an email claiming to be
from HMRC, please send it to
phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before
deleting it permanently.
“The increase in reports is partly due to
improved awareness of this scam. However,
I have no doubt that more of these
“phishing” emails are in general
circulation than ever before.
“HMRC will do everything possible to
ensure those receiving this email know
what steps to take to protect their
information, and we are working closely
with other law enforcement agencies to
target the criminals behind this serious
crime and see them brought to justice.”
LINK:
Reports to HMRC of fraudulent emails soar |
