Beware of HMRC Fraudulent Emails

Self-employed workers are the latest group to be targeted by criminals using the Internet.

Thousands of people using the HM Revenue & Customs' self assessment system are being sent fraudulent e-mails informing them they are entitled to tax rebates worth hundreds of pounds each.

The messages contain a link to what looks like the Revenue's website where victims are asked to log in and provide their bank details for the refund.

However, the website is a fake and the con-men aim to use the information to withdraw cash from their victims' accounts.

IT IS IMPORTANT YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO ANY SUCH EMAIL AS HMRC DO NOT SEND OUT E-MAILS REGARDING TAX REFUNDS.

The Revenue & Customs website has information about what to do if you receive one of these e-mails and asks taxpayers to forward messages they believe to be suspicious to the Revenue at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

Please see www.hmrc.gov.uk/security for more details.