HMRC is warning of a number of new email phishing scams. Phishing emails are used by fraudsters to access recipients’ valuable personal details, such as usernames and passwords. Whilst these messages may appear to be genuine they are very dangerous and clicking on a link from within the email can result in personal information being compromised and the possibility of computer viruses affecting your computer or smartphone.

HMRC is currently sending out VAT EU refund emails to taxpayers whose claims have failed validation. These emails are genuine and will not ask for any personal or financial information. Only taxpayers who have tried to submit a refund claim should be receiving these emails.

HMRC is also sending letters to tax credit recipients asking them to take part in a short telephone survey. These letters are genuine and the calls will be made until 9 December 2016. The letters contain a link to the HMRC contacts page if taxpayers wish to verify the invitation.

If you are unsure as to the validity of any email or communication from HMRC it should not be opened until the sender can be verified. HMRC has reiterated many times that they do not send notifications of tax rebates by email nor do they ask recipients to disclose personal or payment information by email.