"Tax calculations can be, well, taxing, so a message from HMRC saying that there's been a mistake may not ring too many alarm bells. Some bring good news: you have overpaid and are owed a refund, but others claim you owe money. In both cases there's an imminent deadline to act sometimes with the threat of legal action, or penalties if you don't. Scammers are taking advantage of people's fears over bills to steal personal and banking information."
"Automated phone calls, and messages sent by text and email, typically tell you that you need to click on a link and log in to make a payment or claim a refund. In the year to 31 July, HMRC received more than 170,000 reports of scams, of which more than 47,000 involved fake refunds. These happen year-round, but often catch people out around the time of deadlines for self-assessment tax returns."
Scammers impersonate HMRC using automated calls, texts and emails that urge immediate action to make payments or claim refunds. More than 170,000 scam reports were received in the year to 31 July, including over 47,000 fake-refund incidents. Scams occur year-round and spike around self-assessment deadlines. Messages often display HMRC branding and link to convincing but non-gov.uk sites, and caller ID can be spoofed. HMRC will not ask for refunds or personal details via these channels and does not leave voicemail threats. Forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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