HMRC Scams

Kent County Council Public Protection are continuing to see an increase in reports on HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) scams as well as changes to how they can trick you.

To help you identify scams this is an example:

How the scam works:

• You receive an email that looks as if it is from HMRC
• Fraudsters may "spoof" a genuine email address or change the 'display name' to make it appear genuine
• You are told you are due a refund
• You are given a deadline to apply
• You are directed to click on a link in the email

What to do

• Do not open attachments
• Do not click any links in an email or text message, they may contain malicious software or direct you to a bogus website
• To help the HMRC investigations, report all HMRC related phishing emails and bogus text messages to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and then delete it.

HMRC will never send notifications by email about tax rebates or refunds.

Find out more about HMRC scams.