HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to all customers advising them to be on the lookout for scammers using an ever-evolving list of techniques to try and dupe them into handing over their money or personal details.
With the Self Assessment tax return deadline less than two weeks away, HMRC has shared a list of things to check to make sure an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the department is genuine.
The advice covers WhatsApp messages, QR Codes and gift or payment vouchers. It also includes a checklist of six things which could quickly identify a communication as fake.
Check what to look for first
HMRC has shared a checklist on GOV.UK which can be used to decide if the contact you have received is a scam.
You can use it for phone calls, emails and text messages.
It could be a scam if it:
- Rushes you
- Has a threatening tone
- Is unexpected
- Asks for personal information like bank details
- Tells you to transfer money
- Offers a refund, tax rebate or grant
You can view examples of HMRC-related phishing email, scam and phone call content on the GOV.UK website here.
Other signs to look out for
Suspicious phone calls
HMRC will never:
- Leave a voicemail threatening legal action
- Call threatening arrest
View an example of a bogus phone call here.
WhatsApp messages
If you receive any communication through WhatsApp claiming to be from HMRC it is definitely a scam as they do not use the social media platform to communicate with customers.
If you do receive a WhatsApp message claiming to be from HMRC, they advise you to “take a screenshot and forward it as an email” to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
QR codes
HMRC uses QR codes to help customers complete their payment to them using a mobile device.
The QR code will first be displayed when you are logged into your HMRC online account through the UK Government Gateway, on a desktop browser.
You will then be able to use your mobile phone to scan the code which will allow you to continue your payment on your mobile.
HMRC said: “We will never send you a QR code. If you receive a QR code at any time, it’s a scam.”
Gift or payment vouchers
HMRC will never ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers.
What to do if you have already shared personal details
You can report a disclosure of personal information to the HMRC security team - full details can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
If you have been a victim of a scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Police Scotland via 101 and contact your bank as soon as possible.
More information on how to avoid and report internet scams and phishing texts or emails is available on the GOV.UK website here.
STOP. THINK. CALL. is a campaign launched by WhatsApp and the National Trading Standards’ Friends Against Scams campaign, with support from Citizens Advice. It launched in November 2021 with the aim of helping people understand the simple steps they can take to keep their WhatsApp accounts secure and stay safe from scams.
Kathryn Harnett, Policy Manager at WhatsApp explained: “We advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even friends or family, and recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security.”
Kathryn added: “If you receive a suspicious message - even if you think you know who it’s from - calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are.”
STOP. THINK. CALL. before they respond to a suspicious or unusual message
- STOP: Take five before you respond. Make sure your WhatsApp two-step verification is switched on to protect your account; that you're happy with your privacy settings, and your six-digit pin is secure.
- THINK: Does this request make sense? Are they asking you to share a PIN code which they have had sent to you? Are they asking for money? Are they rushing you into taking action? Remember that scammers prey on people’s kindness, trust and willingness to help.
- CALL: Verify that it really is your friend or family member by calling them directly, or asking them to share a voice note. Only when you’re 100% sure the request is from someone you know and trust, should you consider it. If it turns out to be untrue, report it to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
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