A red email icon and red triangular warning signs hover in the air over a man about to type into his laptop

Tax scam letters warning

21 August, 2024

The ATT has become aware of correspondence requesting that certain financial and personal information be provided to HMRC by email. The letter is in fact a fraud, which was spotted by Azets after a letter purporting to be from HMRC was received by one of their clients. They shared this letter (images below) as a warning to others in a social media post last week and our colleagues at LITRG have since raised it with HMRC.  HMRC have confirmed that this letter has NOT been issued by them and is an example of fraudulent activity.

Members may wish to be on the alert for letters like this and warn clients not to respond to letters purporting to be from HMRC without first checking any email addresses or other phone lines carefully.  

A screen shot of a fraudulent letter from HMRC
Screenshot of page 2 of fraudulent letter - it looks like an HMRC letter but the key is it is asking for information to go to an email address which is not related to HMRC

HMRC have asked us to share the following message: 

“Criminals are great pretenders. They use various methods to try and dupe citizens, and often mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.

"Tax scams come in many forms. Some offer a rebate, others tell you that your tax details are out of date, or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion. Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.  We will also never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.

"Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.”

Background

HMRC’s Advice

Protect

  • Criminals are cunning - protect your information.
  • Take a moment to think before parting with your money or information.  
  • Use strong and different passwords on all your accounts so criminals are less able to target you.

Recognise

  • If a phone call, text, letter or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links.
  • Check on GOV.UK that the contact is genuinely from HMRC. 
  • Do not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed.

Report

  • If you’re unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC forward it to 60599, or report a letter or email to [email protected]. Report a tax scam phone call on GOV.UK.  
  • Contact your bank immediately if you’ve had money stolen, and report it to Action Fraud. In Scotland, contact the police on 101.
  • By reporting phishing emails, you help stop criminal activity and prevent other people falling victim.