Existing fraud attempts
We want to make sure you can recognise a fraudulent email if you receive one. We have produced the list below of recent fraudulent emails that have been brought to our attention and will update regularly with news of new phishing activity.
Please note: If you suspect you have received a fraudulent email please do not follow any links within the email, disclose any details or respond to it. Forward it to us at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. We cannot reply on each email we receive, but the information will be used to help reduce online fraud.
Current phishing scams
The following phishing activity is the most frequently reported fraud attempt to HMRC at the present time.
Tax Rebate - Updated 2 July 2008
We are aware of a high number of emails being sent out offering a tax rebate. HMRC would not inform customers of a tax rebate via email, or invite them to complete an online form to receive a rebate of tax.
Do not visit the website contained within the email or disclose any personal or payment information.
Email addresses used to distrute the tax rebate emails include:
- service@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
- claims@hmrc.direct.gov.uk
- notice@hmrc.gov.uk
- hmrc@hmrc.gov.uk
- admin@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
- info@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
- no-reply@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not send out emails using these email addresses
An example of the tax rebate scam:
Example 1 (PDF 286K) (added 11 June 2008).
Example 2 (added 14 August 2007).
Example 3 (added 14 August 2007).
Rebate phone calls – Updated 04 December 2007
We have started to receive telephone calls from concerned members of the public who have been contacted by external companies who claim that they may be entitled to a tax or child benefit rebate. The caller offers the rebate in exchange for personal details and bank account information.
HMRC would advise you in writing if you were due a rebate. We would not contact you by telephone, email or use external companies in these circumstances.
If you are asked to give any personal details over the telephone you should always check with HMRC that the caller is a genuine representative of the department.
Tax payments on lottery winnings (Stop Order Fraud) - Updated 19 September 2007
A number of frauds state that a parcel containing a cheque in respect of lottery winnings has been impounded by HMRC. It will only be released when a substantial tax sum is paid, which will form a percentage of the winnings. This is a fraud.
An example of the Stop Order fraud.
Fake TFT Tax Payment Form - 19 July 2007
A fake TFT Tax Payment Form (PDF 146K) (also available in text only version (TXT 2K) is being sent requesting a cheque for an underpayment of tax. This form does not exist within HM Revenue & Customs, and no monies should be sent.
Previous phishing scams
The following are phishing attempts that you need to be aware of. Each of these has been reported to HMRC previously.
- Anti-Terrorist Certificate - This is a scam involving postal items supposedly being stopped by Customs that require the purchase of an Anti-Terrorist Certificate before being released. There is no such certificate in existence within HM Revenue & Customs.
- Child Benefit and Income Support - Unsolicited emails are being issued advising the recipient may be entitled to Child Benefit. A non-Departmental email address and mobile numbers are being used as the contact points for this scam. An example of the Child Benefit and Income Support scam.
- Compensation - This scam is aimed at people who supposedly have already been the subject of a fraud attempt. The email requests personal details on the pretext that compensation will be paid. An example of the compensation scam.
- Export Clearance Process (Delivery Stop Order) - A number of frauds state that a parcel containing a cheque in respect of lottery winnings, or a legacy left in a will, has been held up by Customs at an airport or dock and requires payment of a percentage of the winnings. This will be a fraud. An example of the Export Clearance Process (Delivery Stop Order).
- Fake P86 form - Letters are being sent with fake P86 Forms, which ask for personal information from taxpayers employed outside the UK. These Forms are fake and should not be completed. Further details can be found at Fraud attempt – Fake P86 Form.
- Telephone Variations - A new variant of scam Export Clearance Process (Delivery Stop Order) is that the individual may be contacted by telephone rather than email. We have seen examples where customers are contacted by someone purporting to be from HM Customs & Excise, claiming that for a payment of £400 by wire transfer, they would release goods to them worth £250,000. Please note: HMRC does not contact customers in this way. One telephone number used in this fraud is 0207 099 2114.
