Warning over new tax scam threat
New warning. The Taxman has recently issued another warning about fraudsters trying to tap into your bank account. In the past these scams have involved sending e-mails that purport to come from the Taxman and which ask you to provide your bank details, whereupon the con artists try to clear out your account. But they’ve now changed their tactics.
Phone scam. This time the crooks are phoning taxpayers posing as HMRC officers calling about a tax refund. Again, they’re after your bank details. Chris Hopson, Director of Customer Contact at HMRC, said, “We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We never use telephone calls, e-mails or external companies in these circumstances.” He went on to say what action you should take if you receive a bogus call (see The next step).
Tip. Put a copy of this article on your staff notice board for your employees and fellow directors to see. The more people who are aware of this problem the better.
For a weblink to HMRC’s latest advice on scams, visit http://companydirector.indicator.co.uk (CD 12.01.09).
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