Hornbeam Highlights 36
URGENT WARNING!
It has been brought to our attention that a number of client’s have received emails from a HMRC officer suggesting that they are due a tax refund. The email asks that an attached form is completed, which includes bank details, in order to enable the repayment to be made.
We are certain this an attempt to impersonate an officer of HMRC to obtain personal details for identity theft or actual theft of funds from the bank account detailed. HMRC agree with our view on this and added:
‘It is worth noting that HMRC do not issue notifications of tax rebates over email, or ask customers to divulge personal information such as User IDs and passwords.’
If you receive an e-mail with an attachment as enclosed do not complete it, simply delete it. If you have already completed the form we recommend that you contact your bank immediately and close the account.
For future reference, if you receive any suspicious correspondence, whether it be via post, e-mail or phone, please contact us or HMRC directly before divulging any personal information.
DisclaimerMost of the information contained in this Hornbeam Highlights is of necessity greatly oversimplified. We are trying to bring to your attention tax planning and business management opportunities. However, you should not take action based upon this leaflet without obtaining specific professional advice.
Whether you are a client or not, if we can provide further help or advice concerning any of the matters covered here, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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