HMRC has issued a warning to all Tax Credit claimants ahead of a deadline that is approaching.
Anyone who claims Tax Credits, HMRC has said, should be "on their guard" amid new tactics being used by fraudsters. The warning comes after of new scams have been reported.
HMRC said criminals use deadlines, like the Tax Credits renewal deadline on July 31, to target victims and that the scams mimic government communications to make them appear genuine.
READ MORE: UK bank hits all customers with £570 warning
Typical scam examples are said to 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
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, told the ECHO: "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."
Scam messages can be convincing, and individuals may be pressured into make rushed decisions. HMRC will never ring anyone out of the blue making threats or asking them to transfer money.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre, HMRC was the third most spoofed government body in 2022, behind the NHS and TV Licensing. HMRC is also urging tax credits customers to be alert to misleading websites or adverts asking them to pay for government services which are free, often by charging for a connection to HMRC helplines.
HMRC is currently sending out Tax Credits renewal packs to customers and is reminding anyone who has not received theirs to wait until after 15 June before contacting HMRC.
People are also being warned not to share their HMRC login details with anyone else. Someone using these could steal from the account owner or make a fraudulent claim in their name and leave customers having to pay back the full value of any fraudulent repayment claim made on their behalf.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Men who set up illegal streaming of Premier League matches jailed for 30 years
John Bishop supported by fans as he shares marriage update
Peter Kay shows off huge weight loss in rare public appearance
UFC's Paddy Pimblett congratulated as he gets married on 'insane' day
Good Morning Britain viewers in disbelief at person's 'unexpected' appearance
