HMRC warning over tax credit renewals scams
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Tax credit claimants should be on their guard against fraudsters as the tax credits renewal deadline on 31 July approaches.
A number of new scams which aim to trick people into handing over money or personal information have been detailed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in their recent alert.
Around 1.5 million tax credits customers are being warned of scams that mimic government communications to make them appear genuine
Criminals target their victims using deadlines such as the tax credits renewal deadline on 31 July.
Typical scam examples include emails, texts, or phone calls:
• claiming an individual’s details are not up to date and that they risk losing out on payments that are due to them.
• Claiming that a direct debit payment has not ‘gone through’.
• Threatening arrest if people don’t immediately pay fake tax owed.
• Claims that the victim’s national insurance number has been used in fraud.
• Offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants or support.
HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, Myrtle Lloyd, said: “Tax scams come in many forms and we’re urging customers to be alert to the tactics used by fraudsters and never to let yourselves be rushed.
“If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC and asks you to give personal information or urgently transfer money, be on your guard.
“Search ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK to find out how to report scams and help us fight these crimes.”
HMRC assures they will never ring anyone out of the blue to make threats or to ask them to transfer money.
Caller ID on phones should not be trusted as numbers can be spoofed.
HMRC states tax credits customers should be cautious of misleading websites or adverts which ask them to pay for free government services — often by charging for a connection to HMRC helplines.
HMRC login details should not be shared with others as someone could use these to steal from the account owner or make a fraudulent claim in their name.
Help and support for renewing tax credits claims are available at GOV.UK.
