Alert over email scam
Date published: 10 July 2008
A warning has been issued about a tax refund scam aimed at obtaining personal bank and credit card information.
Chartered accountants in Greater Manchester are alerting people about a bogus email purporting to come from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) designed to get hold of credit card details by offering a tax refund.
The email asks recipients to submit the information so that the refund can be paid directly into their credit card account.
HMRC has listed the scam on its website but chartered accountants are concerned that many people might be tricked into responding.
Rodger Owen, president of the Manchester Society of Chartered Accountants, said: “There is a possibility business owners and their staff might not read the email properly, putting them at risk of becoming victims of the fraudsters.
“At first glance, the tax refund document looks very convincing. Alarm bells should ring whenever you are asked to submit your credit card details as HMRC never requests this information.”
Those who suspect they have received the fraudulent message are advised to forward it to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and not follow any links.
Do you have a story for us?
Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Man charged with murder after New Year's Day knife attack
- 2Andy Burnham asks taxpayers for at least £9 more a year to help fund police
- 3Government issues statement on clean air zone
- 4Ask Citizens Advice: How can I keep track of my spending better this year?
- 5Council issues warning as temperatures set to plummet yet again
To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.
To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.
