Tax rebate scam prompts police warning

Police are warning people as fraudsters are targeting their victims with tax rebate scams
Action Fraud warns of more cyber crime as fraudsters try to get hold of personal details.Action Fraud warns of more cyber crime as fraudsters try to get hold of personal details.
Action Fraud warns of more cyber crime as fraudsters try to get hold of personal details.

A false tax rebate alert is doing the rounds as scammers send text messages in an attempt to draw out victims' personal details.

Police are teaming up with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau to encourage people to be vigilant of the scam that could land in their text message inbox, purporting to be the tax man.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Identifying themslves as Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the fraudsters are texting members of the public and offering a tax rebate. The text message contains a link to a website, where the victim is required to enter their personal information, such as bank account details, to claim the non-existent rebate.

HMRC stressed it will never use texts or emails or tell you about a potential rebate or ask for personal information.

There are simple ways to protect your personal details from falling into the hands of fraudsters:

- Do not click on web links contained in unsolicited texts or emails;

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

- Never provide your personal information to a third party from an unsolicited communication;

- Obtain the genuine number of the organisation being represented and verify the legitimacy of the communication;

- If you have provided personal information and you are concerned that your identity may be compromised consider Cifas Protection Registration.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Related topics: