Tax rebate scam warning

[lajlaj]

We both received these to our personal email addresses the other day and decided to do nothing, I think DH tried to contact HMRC about it, not sure if he got through or not.

Anyway it is on the Sky website - it does look very real and very convincing so be careful!

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Fake-Tax-Emails-Britain-Being-Flooded-With-Phishing-Scams-Warns-HM-Revenue-And-Customs/Article/200901115199260?lpos=UK_News_First_Home_Article_Te aser_Region_3&lid=ARTICLE_15199260_Fake_Tax_Emails%3A_Britain_Be ing_Flooded_With_Phishing_Scams_Warns_HM_Revenue_A nd_Customs_

[chris]

I got one on Monday and deleted it.
I emailed the details to HMRC (after finally finding an email address) as I thought they may be interested / concerned that someone was sending out fake emails in their name.
They replied that they only dealt with technical queries and I could ring on an 0845 number to report it. Not likely - I do not encourage 0845 numbers!!
I did respond to their reply by saying that if they were 'technical' I would have thought they would know if this message was vaild or not (and then progress it) - no answer!!

[chris]

Just to add, why I immediately thought it was a scam (besides I would never have the luck to be owed money) is that it ended:
Best Regards,

It sounded so odd that I was sure HMRC would never use that phrase on an official document.

Other than that, it was one of the more convincing scams I have received.

[friendlybaby]

Not likely - I do not encourage 0845 numbers!!

Why not? They mean that regardless of where you are in the country it only costs you a local call. It only gets expensive if you are ringing from abroad or from a mobile. Most entities will happily give you a regional code number to dial as well as an 0845 number though.

[Mary Poppins]

Although 0845 are supposed to be local numbers, they actually charge more than a local telephone call. I too avoid 0845 numbers if I can help it.

Thanks for the warning Nadine.

[chris]

Although 0845 are supposed to be local numbers, they actually charge more than a local telephone call. I too avoid 0845 numbers if I can help it.

Thanks for the warning Nadine.

I have found that - when I look at my bill, 0845 numbers can cost over £1 a time especially when you are put on hold / listen to music etc.
When the company isn't paying, it is easy for them to make you wait.

[barefoot-jan]

I rang the tax office yesterday on the 0845 number and was answered immediately! I was very impressed, considering the Jan 31st deadline!

[Netty]

There is an addy at the end of the news report:

phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk