HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced the removal of numerous counterfeit websites following reports from individuals who sensed something was awry with fraudulent alerts posing as HMRC. Despite efforts to combat such deceit, scammers continue to deceive many unsuspecting victims.
Scammers are actively seeking to defraud Britons of their hard-earned money, exploiting the digital realm where falling prey has become increasingly common. Nevertheless, government bodies are diligently working to dismantle criminal activities that exploit reputable entities like HMRC to dupe unsuspecting individuals.
A recent statement from HMRC disclosed that over 29,100 scam websites were shut down in the past year, emphasizing the importance of identifying and reporting scams to safeguard taxpayers nationwide. Victims of HMRC scams are at risk of losing varying amounts of money, with reported average losses of £1,730 per victim in phishing schemes.
These scams revolve around impersonating the UK’s tax authority to pilfer personal and financial information, employing false threats of legal repercussions or fraudulent tax refund promises through fake emails, texts, and phone calls.
To determine the legitimacy of received correspondence, individuals can utilize a checklist. For instance, HMRC does not issue voicemail threats or arrests. The UK Government Channel on WhatsApp, if subscribed to, delivers updates, including tax-related reminders, through one-way alerts without the option to reply.
Additionally, HMRC incorporates QR codes in official communications, directing customers to GOV.UK for guidance and ensuring that personal information is not solicited. HMRC never requests payment via gift or payment vouchers, and victims of scams are encouraged to report incidents to Action Fraud or Police Scotland if necessary.
Suspicious HMRC communications, including emails, texts, social media accounts, and phone calls, can be reported online through the official HMRC website to help combat fraudulent activities and protect individuals from falling victim to scams.