Warning! Another Sophisticated HMRC Scam Discovered | Don't fall for it ... |
Posted by Alison Mead on 25/05/2020 @ 8:00AM Scammers are always on the lookout for opportunities to fleece the unwary. A new HMRC scam has been discovered with a text message linking to a very legitimate-looking tax refund form ... Don't fall for this sophisticated HMRC scam! Notice the weird URL? copyright: silicon bullet The first thing to know is that HMRC would never, under any circumstances, text you a link to follow requesting personal information. If you do receive a text message like this then it is most definitely going to be a scam.
"Don't fall for this HMRC scam! Do NOT click the link!"
And this goes for any text message you receive asking you to click a link. Whoever it's from, navigate to their website first and then look for the page or form they are asking you to complete.
Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated and the domain names they use are very similar to the one they are pretending to be, but there will always be differences.
For example, the government always uses a gov.uk domain name, but if you receive something with gov.uk.com, guv.uk, uk-gov.com or even ihimric.com (like this one) then it is most definitely a HMRC scam.
Also, check that there is a valid SSL certificate. Any form you fill in online should have an https:// at the front of the URL. If it doesn't then DON'T fill out the form because the data isn't secure. Even if it is secured and using https:// you can click the padlock in your browser and see who is the owner of the certificate.
"Anything from HMRC should use the Government
Digital Service SSL certificate!"
So be warned. The text message supposedly from HMRC is not from them at all, and the form on the other end of the link is not on the gov.uk website and is simply stealing your information.
Delete the message if you get it. Until next time ...
ALISON MEAD
Would you like to know more? If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01604 217365 and let's see how I can help you. About Alison Mead ... |  | | Alison loves bookkeeping and supporting bookkeepers. She has been helping clients to be better bookkeepers in Sage 50 for over 24 years and has been Xero Accredited in accounts and payroll for a number of years too.
She specialises in a very unique hand-holding method of training, helping bookkeepers and business owners to use their accounts software as and when they need support in setting up and producing their invoices, reports and financial information.
Alison combines her role at Silicon Bullet with her Forever Living network marketing businesses and is often to be seen at business networking meetings as she likes to keep busy.
You know what they say: if you want something done well ask a busy person!
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