HMRC halts thousands of scam text messages

HMRC have announced that they have stopped thousands of taxpayers from receiving scam text messages 'with 90 percent of the most convincing texts now halted before they reach their phones'.

HMRC's press release states:

'Fraudsters alleging to be from HMRC send text messages to unsuspecting members of the public. In these messages they will make false claims, such as suggesting they are due a tax rebate. Messages will usually include links to websites that harvest personal information or spread malware. This can in turn lead to identity fraud and the theft of people’s personal savings.'

HMRC have confirmed that they will never contact taxpayers who are due a tax refund by text message or by email.

HMRC's Director of Customer Services, Angela MacDonald, said:

'HMRC is focused on becoming the most digitally advanced tax authority in the world, and a big part of that relates to keeping our customers safe from online scammers.'

'As email and website scams become less effective, fraudsters are increasingly turning to text messages to con taxpayers. But as these numbers show, we won’t rest until these criminals are out of avenues to exploit.'

'We have made significant progress is cutting down these types of crime, but one of the most effective ways to tackle it is still to help the public spot the tell-tale signs of fraud.'

To read details of the measures taken by HMRC and other advice on spotting fraud visit the link below.

Internet link: GOV.UK scam-text-messages

Home | Contact us | Site map | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | Help |

© 2024 Manningtons. All rights reserved. We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.

Manningtons, 8 High Street, East Sussex, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8LS | powered by totalSOLUTION
Battle Office, 39 High Street, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0EE

This firm is not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 but we are able in certain circumstances to offer a limited range of investment services to clients because we are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. We can provide these investment services if they are an incidental part of the professional services we have been engaged to provide.

Registered to carry out audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment activities by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Our registration number is C001366129 and details can be found on www.auditregister.org.uk. Also practising as Manningtons Ltd. Company No. 04988891 Registered in England & Wales at the above address.