Online tax accounts targeted by scammers

Taxpayers are being urged to check their online tax accounts after HMRC announced scammers targeted nearly 100,000 accounts.

Scammers attempted to defraud HMRC by using individuals’ data and login details to make false tax refund claims.

Compromised accounts have been locked down, and those affected will receive a letter from HMRC with details on how they can regain access to their accounts.

Joanne Walker, Technical Officer at LITRG, explained, “HMRC have confirmed that they were the victim of online scammers who tried to defraud them of money using the details of individual taxpayers.

“While HMRC say this attack has not resulted in any tax-related financial loss for individual taxpayers, it is a timely reminder that fraud is an ongoing threat.

“More than ever, taxpayers should take care of their personal information. It is important to make sure you know who you are dealing with before you hand over any data, especially very sensitive data like your National Insurance number or a copy of your passport photo page. Also, make sure that you don’t inadvertently share such information – on your social media accounts, for example.

“Criminals can also obtain Government Gateway log-in details and personal information if you click on a link and enter information into a mirror website – these look genuine, but they allow criminals to gather your personal data. So, always ensure you are using the genuine GOV.UK website – do not click on links in emails, text messages or on social media.

“And remember, never share your HMRC your log-in details with anyone, including with someone who says they are acting as a tax agent. If they are registered with HMRC, they will have their own log-in credentials that they can use to help clients.”

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