Kingston UK is proud to be supporting the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) this month by sponsoring an event for its members from across Kent.
The CIPR, which represents freelancers and contractors (as well as other types of workers in [...]
Fake revenue website created to defraud taxpayers
Freelancers and contractors are being urged to be vigilant when it comes to paying the tax online, since fraudsters set up a false website in the name of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
A fake link is being emailed to people in ‘reminder messages’ from seemingly plausible email addresses in the hope that they will visit the fraudulent site and reveal personal and credit card details that could lead to identity theft.
The HMRC logo and graphical designs are used too in the emails, which either claim there is a rebate for the recipient to claim or reminding them to file their self-assessment online.
According to Freelance UK, tax officials have said they never email customers to tell them about a rebate or prompt them to complete online forms to submit credit card details in order to claim the rebate.
Self-assessors are being warned to be extra vigilant when completing their tax return this spring.
They may be unaware of any fraud until several weeks later.
In an online security alert, HMRC said it never emails from the addresses used, including ‘info@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk,’ ‘claims@hmrc.direct.gov.uk,’ and ‘admin@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.’
Story originally published at Freelance UK.com. Click here for more on this story
No Comments
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
