HMRC is urging taxpayers to be cautious of anyone approaching them either online or off, as they could be scammers. Tax-related scams have doubled since the start of the pandemic as the confusion of lockdowns, and support schemes gave scammers a real opportunity ...
Be very careful about any contact claiming to be from HMRC as there are a lot of scammers out there!
As business owners, we're all busy day-to-day, even more so as we try to recover our position to pre-pandemic levels. Scammers often target busy people, those without technical skills and the vulnerable.
"Anyone can become a victim of a scammer!"
If you've received an email, text message or even an automated phone message claiming to be from HMRC, then you could be targeted by scammers hoping to cash in.
In the last year, HMRC has:
Had over a million referrals from the public about potential scams
Worked with Ofcom and other telecoms providers to ban nearly 2,500 telephone numbers scammers are using
Received nearly half a million reports of phone scams
Reported over 13,000 malicious websites for takedown
So, HMRC is on the case, but the scam reports keep rolling in.
To its credit, HMRC has published its own webpage to help taxpayers check out if a contact is genuine or not. HMRC has changed text numbers recently, but the page also explains how various other forms of contact will be made for various projects.
If you are unsure if the contact you have received from HMRC is genuine, do check the page, but under no circumstances, give a callers personal information such as your bank account, credit or debit card details to any caller.
And certainly don't click any links unless you're absolutely sure.
Until next time ...
ROGER EDDOWES Business Godparent
Would you like to know more?
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Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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