A scams warning has been issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as the deadline for tax credits renewals draws nearer. Typical scams include emails or texts falsely claiming someone’s details are not up to date and that the recipient may miss out on payments.
Scam messages may also claim that a payment has not “gone through”. Criminals may also phone people and threaten them with arrest if they do not immediately pay fake tax debts.
Other frauds include claims that someone’s national insurance number has been used in fraud and emails, or texts offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants or support. HMRC is also urging people to be alert to misleading websites or adverts asking them to pay for government services which are free, often by charging for a connection to HMRC helplines.
