Tax phishing - Not again!

Posted by AccountingWEB PM | on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 15:57 2271 3 comments

January would probably be a good time to try to fleece the public with regards to bogus tax refunds, and the criminals are clearly wise enough to jump on the January bandwagon.

Continued...

Good call!

RebeccaBenneyworth | Sun, 11/01/2009 - 20:16 | Permalink

On 8 January HMRC issued a widely distributed press release on this topic. The theme was taken up by the National Press and radio. Accountants in practice should make sure that they have alerted their clients to the dangers - particularly those who are expecting a tax refund this month.

Phish and Chips

Anonymous | Thu, 08/01/2009 - 09:49 | Permalink

Phishing is now more common, and I suppose like other major organisations hmrc Are susceptible to fraud.

What also does not help is HMRC advising that previous department names "Inland Revenue" etc., do not exist anymore and anything bearing the old logo etc., is false. HMRC have not updated certain aspects of their software and still have the old department names on computer generated demands they issue. Certain PAYE /NI demands for arrears for example etc., When I have spoken to HMRC to question the issue of such demands, with a simple question, is it real or is it a phishing exercise, the usual response is normally very sheepish and apologetic. I appreciate it is not the fault of the person at the end of the phone and they are usually very embarassed about it.