Firstly, HMRC will never notify you of a tax rebate by email or text. Secondly, HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email or text.
So, if you get a request for either of these things purportedly from HMRC via text or email you know it is a spoof, con and potentially a danger to your PC and possibly your computer entire network.
HMRC are constantly aware of scammers using sophisticated methods to make their false-communications look like official HMRC communications. If you receive one of these texts or emails and have the slightest inkling that it is a fake, the advice from HMRC is:
- Do not open any attachments, as they may well contain a virus
- Do not click on links, they are so sophisticated that they could take you to a website that looks exactly like the HMRC website
- Never disclose personal or confidential information
- Forward suspicious HMRC texts to 60599 (charged at your network rate)
- Forward suspicious HMRC emails to the HMRC phising team at phishing@hmrc-gsi.gov.uk
If You’ve Already Disclosed Information To Scammers
If you think you have disclosed confidential information to a scam email or text act immediately.
Contact the HMRC security at security.custcon@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. Provide a brief description of what you have disclosed for example your name or password, but DO NOT give the actual personal details in the email.
If you have any questions or concerns specifically to do with payroll processing and payroll procedures please talk to one of our head office payroll experts who will be more than happy to talk to you.