A warning has been issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) amid fears that claimants are being targeted by fraudsters.
According to the government department, a number of new scams have been reported that aim to deceive people into handing over money or their personal information such as banking details. The latest tactic used by scammers involves using the tax credits renewal deadline of July 31 to target victims.
The department warned that around 1.5 million tax credit customers should stay alert for scams that copy government communication. Such scams can come in the form of emails, text, or phone calls.
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Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: "Tax scams come in many forms and we’re urging customers to be alert to the tactics used by fraudsters and never to let yourselves be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC and asks you to give personal information or urgently transfer money, be on your guard.
"Search ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK to find out how to report scams and help us fight these crimes."
HMRC warned that examples of such scams can include:
- Emails or texts claiming an individual’s details aren’t up to date and that they risk losing out on payments that are due to them
- Emails or texts claiming that a direct debit payment hasn’t ‘gone through’
- Phone calls threatening arrest if people don’t immediately pay fake tax owed
- Claims that the victim’s national insurance number has been used in fraud
- Emails or texts offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants or support
The department highlighted that it would never ring claimants without warning in order to make threats or ask them to transfer money.
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