HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ Tax Refund Phishing Scam

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals and steal their personal information or money. One prevalent scam that has been targeting taxpayers is the HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ tax refund phishing scam. This article aims to provide valuable insights into this scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and other relevant data.

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What is the HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ Tax Refund Phishing Scam?

The HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ tax refund phishing scam is an attempt by cybercriminals to trick individuals into providing their personal and financial information under the guise of a tax refund from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). These scammers send out fraudulent emails, text messages, or make phone calls claiming that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund.

The scammers often use official-looking logos, email addresses, and websites to make their communication appear legitimate. They may also include references to specific tax codes or use language that creates a sense of urgency to prompt the recipient to take immediate action.

How Does the Scam Work?

The HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ tax refund phishing scam typically follows a similar pattern:

  1. The scammer sends an email, text message, or makes a phone call claiming to be from HMRC and informs the recipient that they are eligible for a tax refund.
  2. The message includes a link or attachment that the recipient is instructed to click on or open to claim their refund.
  3. Clicking on the link or opening the attachment leads the recipient to a fake website that closely resembles the official HMRC website.
  4. The fake website prompts the recipient to enter their personal and financial information, such as their full name, address, date of birth, bank account details, and even their National Insurance number.
  5. Once the recipient submits their information, the scammers can use it for identity theft, financial fraud, or sell it on the dark web.

It is important to note that HMRC will never contact individuals by email or text message regarding tax refunds. They primarily communicate through traditional mail. Additionally, HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information via email, text message, or phone call.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ tax refund phishing scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage:

  1. Contact your bank or financial institution to report the incident and secure your accounts.
  2. Change your passwords for all online accounts, especially those related to banking or financial services.
  3. Monitor your bank statements and credit reports regularly for any suspicious activity.
  4. Report the scam to HMRC by forwarding the fraudulent email or text message to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
  5. If you have provided your personal or financial information, consider contacting a credit reference agency to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
  6. Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free or another reputable antivirus software to ensure your device is not infected with malware.

Other Relevant Data

The HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ tax refund phishing scam has been on the rise in recent years. According to HMRC, they received reports of over 250,000 phishing attempts in the 2020/2021 tax year alone. This highlights the importance of staying vigilant and being aware of the tactics used by scammers.

It is crucial to remember that HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information via email, text message, or phone call. They will also never offer tax refunds through these channels. If you receive any communication claiming to be from HMRC regarding a tax refund, it is best to ignore it and report it to HMRC.

Summary

The HMRC ‘Reimbursements Are Available’ tax refund phishing scam is a prevalent scam that targets taxpayers by tricking them into providing their personal and financial information. Scammers use fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls to claim that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund. They then direct the victim to a fake website where they are prompted to enter their information, which can be used for identity theft or financial fraud.

If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is important to take immediate action by contacting your bank, changing passwords, monitoring your accounts, reporting the scam to HMRC, and running a scan with reputable antivirus software. Staying vigilant and being aware of the tactics used by scammers is crucial in protecting yourself from such scams.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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