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Quite a lot of people get emails from the Inland Revenue saying that they are due refunds. The emails ask them to click on a link to provide their details so that the refund can be paid. The emails look authentic but they are phishing emails from crooks trying to get your bank details and should be ignored.



These refund emails have been around for at least the last year and the scammers have just started a new scam. You get a email supposedly from the Inland Revenue which reads as follows:

From: "HM Revenue & Customs"
To: ;
Subject: Online Update From HM Revenue & Customs

HM Revenue & Customs

Dear Member,

Due to the high number of customers, it has been decided to implement EV SSL Certification on this website.

The use of EV SSL certification works with high security Web browsers to clearly identify the use of online applications and assessment.

It has been introduced to protect our clients and to allow us deal with request faster and more efficiently. Since most Internet related crimes rely on false identity, HM Revenue & Customs went through a rigorous validation process that meets the Extended Validation guidelines.

Please update your account to the new EV SSL certification by Clicking here.

You are strictly advised to login into your online account using the above link. Your HM Revenue & Customs account will automatically be added to our recent online security system.

(Failure to verify your account details correctly will lead to account suspension)

Thank you.

Account Sentinel Service
ïŋ― HM Revenue & Customs Online Customer Service: 1998 - 2009

(Do not reply to this email. HM Revenue & Customs retains the right to send you periodic updates on alerts and services).


This is a scam designed to catch the unwary to provide their bank details. The scammers are using the same wording as that used on various bank scams.

The Revenue have advice on scam emails at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-scams.htm
One of my clients has just rung me to say he has received an email from the Revenue about a refund. He was a bit suspicious and I confirmed that it was a scam.

The email says:
From "HM Revenue & Customs" <hmrc@tax-revenue.uk>
Subject Tax return 2008-2009

2008-2009 Recalculation of you (as spelt) tax refund
Local Office no 182 20/July/2009
TAX REFUND NUMBER UK(long number)

ATTN Dear Applicant

After the last annual calculation of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of ÂĢ344-79
Yout TRN (TAX REFUND NUMBER) (repeat of long number), complete the tax return form attached to this message.
After completing the form, submit the form by clicking the SUBMIT button on form and allow us 5-9 business days in order to process it.

Our head office address can be found on our web site at h t t p://www.hmrc.co.uk/ (it's actually hmrc.gov.uk)
Note for security reasons, we will record your ip-address and date.
Deliberate wrong inputs are criminally pursued and indicted.
Sincerely,
(I have deleted name & address)


The Revenue never contact people in this way offering refunds.
El Loro
Last edited {1}

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