Warning to millions over tax return scam as fraudsters steal thousands from innocent victims
A TORY MP has revealed cyber crooks impersonated her attempting to fraudulently claim back cash from the taxman.
Ex-Home Minister Caroline Nokes today warns the public after a tax return was submitted to HMRC using her confidential details.
She received an official letter telling her fraudsters had used her National Insurance number and unique ID code to submit the documents.
Her intervention comes as around ten of millions of people are due to submit their tax return by the end of the month.
She told The Sun: “Fortunately the HMRC systems picked it up very quickly, and that means that whoever they are has not been successful.
“But for the victims of this sort of attempted fraud it means the aggravation of not being able to submit an online tax return this year, so back to the paper version, and a new unique code.
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“But it does show you just how determined criminals are to try to defraud the taxpayer.
“There is no suggestion that I was targeted because I am an MP, but it was a good demonstration to me of the hassle that victims have but importantly.
“Also, how effective the HMRC systems are at picking up this sort of thing.
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“Perhaps also a lesson in making sure you get your genuine tax return in early, as this fraudulent attempt was submitted in early November, so I’m going to make sure mine is in very early this year.”
While completing a tax return, individuals are informed how much tax they owe and can then set up a payment plan to deal with the cost or risk paying a financial penalty.
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HMRC revealed they had responded to 180,000 referrals of suspicious activity from the public with 80,000 of these offered bogus tax rebates, in the 12 months to August.
There were 55,000 reports of phone scams which was down 87 per cent on the previous year with 10,000 malicious web pages taken down.
How to protect yourself from HMRC scams
- HMRC will never use texts or social media to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty or ever ask for payment in this way
- Telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. You should never trust the number you see on your telephones display
- If you receive a suspicious cold call, end it immediately
- If you do receive a suspicious call, text, social media message or email, report it to Action Fraud.