Warning: Fake HMRC scam

We’ve been sent a very convincing email from an account pretending to be HMRC, and we’ve been made aware that others have received the same email.

PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ANYTHING WITHIN THIS EMAIL, OR REPLY TO SENDER.

We would also advise you don’t forward the email as this risks the link being clicked by others, and never open any attachments unless you are sure they are legitimate.

We completely get it, these things can be so convincing, and we all know of someone who has unfortunately been caught out. So, please just be hyper aware.

And, if you are suspicious of an email, call the sender (not using any contact number sent in said email, but by using a number you already have for them) and ask them if they have sent this to you, especially when links or attachments are concerned.

The giveaway in this particular email is the email address, as you can see above. But the red flags aren’t always as simple to spot.

We have been in touch with HMRC and they have confirmed that this is a spam email.

• If you have clicked on any links, or opened any attachments, we recommend you run your antivirus software as a matter of urgency and update any relevant passwords.
• If you have disclosed any personal details to this scam, please forward a report to us at security.custcon@hmrc.gov.uk.
• If you have disclosed any bank or card details, please contact your bank or card issuer immediately.For more information about what we do with the data you provide, please search GOV.UK for “HMRC Privacy Notice.”Please forward all suspicious HMRC related e-mails / texts to phishing@hmrc.gov.ukAlternatively, you can forward HMRC related scam text messages to 60599.

  If you are worried about the authenticity of an email or message from HMRC, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

  Stay alert.