Over 200,000 Scam Attempts Reported in the UK
In the wake of the Self Assessment tax return deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a stark warning to the public: stay vigilant against fraudsters. With millions of taxpayers completing their returns, the post-deadline period has become a prime time for scammers, targeting individuals with bogus tax rebate offers. The rise in reported ‘suspicious contact’ cases underscores the importance of awareness and caution in handling any unexpected tax communication.
The Rising Tide of Tax Scams
A Significant Increase in Fraud Reports
HMRC has seen a troubling 14% increase in referrals of suspicious contacts, with the past year witnessing over 207,800 reports. A significant portion of these, more than 79,000, involved phony tax rebate offers. This trend not only highlights the audacity of fraudsters but also the critical need for taxpayers to be discerning about communications claiming to be from HMRC.
HMRC’s Stand Against Scams
Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, highlights the cunning nature of these scams, often mimicking government messages for legitimacy. She advises the public to take their time, verify the authenticity of any tax-related communication, and consult HMRC’s scam advice on GOV.UK. It’s important to note that HMRC never contacts customers via email, text, or phone to announce a refund or request personal banking details for refunds.
Fighting Back: How to Protect Yourself
Steps to Report and Avoid Scams
HMRC encourages everyone to play a role in combating phishing scams by reporting suspicious emails, phone calls, and texts. They have provided clear channels for reporting, including forwarding emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and reporting tax scam phone calls via their website. Last year, HMRC took proactive steps, reporting 26,443 malicious web pages for removal, a 29% increase from before.
HMRC’s Guidance for Personal Security
HMRC’s advice for taxpayers is straightforward: Protect, Recognise, and Report. They urge individuals to safeguard their information, be skeptical of unexpected communications, and use strong, unique passwords across accounts. Recognizing fraudulent attempts involves questioning the legitimacy of unsolicited contacts and verifying through the official GOV.UK pages. Reporting suspicious activities not only helps protect the individual but also aids in preventing further victims.
The National Effort Against Online Fraud
The ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ Campaign
In response to the escalating threat of online scams, the Home Office launched the ‘Stop! Think Fraud‘ campaign on 12 February. This national initiative, supported by a coalition spanning law enforcement, banking, tech, telecoms, and the third sector, aims to educate the public on staying safe online. A dedicated website provides invaluable advice, marking a significant step in the collective fight against fraud.
Sources: THX News & HM Revenue & Customs.
