HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been forced to issue an alert as scammers are purporting to be from the government department.
The criminals are making contact under false pretences, claiming to offer a tax refund.
In another form of the HMRC scam, the fraudsters are falsely informing innocent victims that their National Insurance number has been used in a fraud attempt.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, HMRC has specifically urged students, who may be new to paying taxes, to watch out.
HMRC issued a tax refund scam alert on social media
X | @HMRCGOVUK
The post read: “Calling all students! New to paying tax?
“Criminals posing as HMRC may contact you offering a tax refund or to tell you your National Insurance number has been used in a fraud.
“Make sure you’re on your guard! Click below to find out more about tax scams and how to report them.”
The post has been reposted by Action Fraud on X.
HMRC warns a phone call, email or text message could be a scam if it tries to rush the recipient, is unexpected or is threatening.
Other signs the contact may be a scam include:
- It asks for personal information like bank details
- It tells the recipient to transfer money
- It offers a refund, tax rebate or grant.
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HMRC will never send notifications by email about tax rebates or refunds
PA
The government department advises members of the public not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC offering a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.
HMRC does not contact members of the public through WhatsApp.
"If you receive any communication through WhatsApp claiming to be from HMRC it’s a scam," the department states.
HMRC has confirmed it will never send notifications by email about tax rebates or refunds.
