• [Dailystar Icon]
• News
• UK News
• HMRC

HMRC alert as Brits warned 'don't put yourself at risk losing cash'

The governement body has issued a warning to Brits, with thousands of people potentially losing out

[HMRC His Majesty Revenue and Customs sign in London, UK]

HMRC is often used by scammers to target unsuspecting Brits(Image: claudiodivizia via Getty Images)

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging people to be careful after it claimed it shut down thousands of fake websites in the last year. This follows reports from members of the public who spotted scams in action. It's quite common for criminals to try to trick people by pretending to be the well-known tax office.

Despite efforts, criminals continue to successfully scam thousands of Brits out of their money. Fraudsters are relentlessly targeting UK residents in attempts to swindle them out of their savings, with the digital age making it easier than ever to become a victim.

But government bodies are working tirelessly behind the scenes to catch criminals. Many exploit trusted names like HMRC to deceive innocent members of the public, reports the Mirror.

In a recent statement on X, an HMRC spokesperson said: "In the last 12 months, we took down more than 29,100 scam websites. Recognising and reporting scams helps protect taxpayers across the UK. If you're unsure if the contact you've received is a scam, report it."

Criminals target thousands of people at once, placing many at risk of financial loss. The typical amount lost by those caught up in HMRC fraud varies depending on how greedy the scammers are but some studies suggest an average loss of 1,730 per victim caught in phishing schemes.

These scams aim to steal personal and banking information by impersonating Britain's tax collection agency. They involve fake emails, messages, and telephone calls that mislead people with false threats of prosecution or fraudulent tax rebate promises.

In a bid to combat the spread of scams, HMRC recommends that people always ask themselves questions about anything they suspect could be a trap.

How can I identify if an HMRC communication is fraudulent?

Use the following checklist to decide if the contact you've received is a scam. This can be applied to phone calls, emails and text messages.

It might be a scam if:

• it rushes you
• it is threatening
• it is unexpected
• it asks for personal information like bank details
• it tells you to transfer money
• it offers a refund, tax rebate or grant

[HMRC label on coins]

HMRC encouraged people to report any scams they spot so it can be dealt with(Image: GETTY)

HMRC has claimed that it will never leave a voicemail threatening legal action or arrest. If you have subscribed to the UK Government Channel on WhatsApp, you may receive updates which might include occasional tax-related reminders.

These will be single-message alerts, and you won't be able to reply. HMRC will not communicate with you for any other reason using WhatsApp. HMRC uses QR codes in some of its letters and correspondence.

The QR code typically directs customers to guidance on GOV.UK, with the government body informing customers exactly where the code will lead them. A HMRC spokesperson confirmed that you will never be directed to a page where you have to put in your personal information.

HMRC will never ask you to pay with gift or payment vouchers. If you've fallen victim to a scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Action Fraud via their website or to Police Scotland by dialling 101 if you reside in Scotland.

People can report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts, and phone calls online. Go to the official HMRC website here and find out how to report your specific case.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.