Fake HMRC phone calls are on the rise again in an attempt to fraud people out of their money. the recent scam call consists of an automated phone call scam which will tell you HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you, and to press one to speak to a caseworker to make a payment. We can confirm this is a scam and you should end the call immediately.

Other scam calls may offer a tax refund and request you to provide your bank or credit card information. If you cannot verify the identity of the caller, we recommend that you do not speak to them.

There have also been several scams through text messages and Emails, know that HMRC will never contact you about a tax rebate or refund and will never ask you for financial information via text messages or emails. Also, never open attachments or click any links in an email or text message, as they may contain malicious software or direct you to a bogus website.

HMRC does call people about outstanding tax bills, and sometimes uses automated messages, but it will always include your taxpayer reference number.

One thing these Scams do is add a sense of urgency or even subtly threatening you, by putting such messages as ‘call now’ or ‘act immediately to avoid further cost’ as to scare you into clicking or continuing the call.

These calls, texts and emails are attempting to use social engineering and forms of phishing in an attempt to fraud you out of your own money, it shows how far cyber criminals are willing to go to make some quick money and how advanced some of these scams are.

Cyber Wise recommends that you never give financial information away unless the identity of the person who is calling can be verified, HMRC will never ask for financial information over text or email and will always use your unique tax payee number if they call you.

At Cyber Wise, we deliver a range of courses based on teaching your employees how to spot the tell-tale signs of a phishing email and what social engineering is and how to combat it. If you want to learn more or arrange your risk free trial, contact us today.