Thursday, January 08, 2009
Constoppers: UK Tax Deadline Scams
This Message was sent to the Constoppers email list, a free opt-in service, sending very occasional warnings about scams that affect SMEs and charities.
To join and get warnings direct to your inbox simply email: constoppers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To report a scam, email: constoppers-owner@yahoogroups.com
The UK Tax office, HMRC, is reporting a rise in so called Phishing Scams. These scams take the form of emails or phone calls relating to the tax deadline or a rebate where the victim is asked for sensitive information which could allow the scammer to access bank accounts and steal money. Emails might also link to a fake website which could install malicious code on your computers and compromise security
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/phish-scam-0109.pdf
HMRC states that it only ever contacts businesses by letter and would never request such information by phone or email.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/spoofs.htm
They are also providing up-to-date information on emails and tactics used by the fraudsters
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm
If you receive an email purporting to be from HMRC please forward it tophishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or call the helpline on 0845 302 0203
It is very refreshing to see a government body taking such a proactive stance against scams, hopefully this will mark a new dawn in the way government works to protect and forewarn small businesses.
Jules Woodell 08 Jan 2009
To join and get warnings direct to your inbox simply email: constoppers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To report a scam, email: constoppers-owner@yahoogroups.com
The UK Tax office, HMRC, is reporting a rise in so called Phishing Scams. These scams take the form of emails or phone calls relating to the tax deadline or a rebate where the victim is asked for sensitive information which could allow the scammer to access bank accounts and steal money. Emails might also link to a fake website which could install malicious code on your computers and compromise security
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/phish-scam-0109.pdf
HMRC states that it only ever contacts businesses by letter and would never request such information by phone or email.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/spoofs.htm
They are also providing up-to-date information on emails and tactics used by the fraudsters
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm
If you receive an email purporting to be from HMRC please forward it tophishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or call the helpline on 0845 302 0203
It is very refreshing to see a government body taking such a proactive stance against scams, hopefully this will mark a new dawn in the way government works to protect and forewarn small businesses.
Jules Woodell 08 Jan 2009
Labels: Constoppers, HMRC, Phishing, scam, Scams, tax
