Press Releases
November 2010
Over 180 fake tax websites shut down
Essex chartered accountancy firm Rickard Keen LLP is warning taxpayers to be on their guard against so-called ‘phishing’ attacks involving emails which claim to be from HM Revenue and Customs.
These emails direct recipients towards fake websites which steal visitors’ financial details. More than 180 such sites have been closed down in the past three months alone.
Keith Bell, a partner at the firm, said: “The emails claim to be offering a tax refund, and direct the recipient to the phoney website where they are asked to enter their bank account information, which is then used by criminals who attempt to empty the accounts concerned.
“There has also been a surge in fraudsters making phone calls to people, pretending to be from HMRC. They claim the person they are calling is due a tax refund, and again ask for their bank account details.”
HMRC has reminded taxpayers that it only ever contacts them by post, not phone or email. It said anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the department should report it by the police, while fake emails should be forwarded to HMRC and then deleted.
For more information, contact Rickard Keen LLP on 01702 347771.