HMRC continues to warn taxpayers to be aware of 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 within the email can result in personal information being compromised and the possibility of computer viruses being downloaded to your computer or smartphone.

To help taxpayers, HMRC publishes online guidance that lists current genuine HMRC emails and texts. In the latest edition of the online guidance published earlier this month HMRC has confirmed which current emails, post and text messages are genuine. New statutory notices issued by email and requests for information will contain a link to HMRC’s guidance, so the recipients can see that HMRC is using email for this purpose.

Please note

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 restated 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.