SPAM Warning - Email for Refund From HMRC

elliotj

Just a warning... I have just received a quite well worded SPAM email appearing to come from [EMAIL="srvcs@hmrc.gov.uk"]srvcs@hmrc.gov.uk[/EMAIL]. The email includes an embedded webform which requests card details to process the refund against and some card security such as mothers maiden name and DOB.

Compared to alot of SPAM, it is quite professional looking and could be convince some people that it is genuine... extract (not including form), below...

From: [EMAIL="srvcs@hmrc.gov.uk"]srvcs@hmrc.gov.uk[/EMAIL]
Subject: Submit Your Payment Refund
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2011 15:13:15 +0000

Dear Applicant:

Following an upgrade of our computer systems and review of our records we have investigated your payments and latest tax returns over the last seven years our calculations show that you have made over payments of GBP 178.25

Due to the high volume of refunds due you must complete the online application, the telephone help line is unable to assist with this application. In oder to process your refund you will need to complete the application form attached to this email. Your refund may take up to 6 weeks to process please make sure you complete the form correctly.

NOTE: If you've received an Income Tax ‘repayment’ it will either be following a claim you've made or because HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has received new information about your taxable income or entitlement to allowances. The refund may come through your tax code or as a payment and could relate to the current tax year or earlier years.

An Income Tax repayment is a refund of tax that you've overpaid. So, if you've paid too much tax for example through your job or pension this year or in previous years HMRC will send you a repayment. You'll get the repayment by bank transfer directly to your credit or debit card.

---

Copyright 2011, HM Revenue Customs UK All rights reserved.


--Forwarded Message Attachment--

HM Revenue & Customs

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<snip>... web form then collects details for refund.

Hope this helps someone!

System

You can send it ro HMRC via this page on their website -

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/index.htm

Mikeyorks

It's certainly better than the one I deleted not 5 mins ago. Which finished with 'Best Regards from HM Revenue & Customs'!

As with all these things it's best to remind yourself you did not provide HMRC with your Email address. And that, repeatedly, they make the point they do not communicate via Email. So you simply delete them ....... or send them onto the phishing address at HMRC if you're in the mood.

Pont

Just had one 'from' HMRC Gateway. It looked quite professional - correct colour/logo etc. This was a form to fill in online to claim my refund of £300ish - I wish!

MrsShazbat

I got one of these today.

"Tax Refund Notification



After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity, we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of 268.50 GBP. Please submit the tax refund request and have your tax refund sent to your bank account in due time
Please Click "Get Started" to have your tax refund sent to your bank account, your tax refund will be sent to your bank account in due time take your time to go through the bank we have on our list
Get Started
Note : A refund can be delayed a variety of reasons, for example submitting invalid records or applying after deadline.
Best Regards
HM Revenue & Customs"

Nicky2905

thanks for posting these, I would never normally entertain anything like this, but seeing as I'm chasing hmrc for a refund at the moment it may have made me think twice....Mind you, I haven't given hmrc my email, nor been asked for it so I like to think I wouldn't fall for it!!

vax2002

HMRC do not issue refunds or letters or e.mails advising of a refund, they issue a statement of account and you have to apply for a refund or they hold any overpayment on account .

dori2o

You really would be astonished at how many people fill these in thinking they are from HMRC.

I get at least 1 a month who does. One even refused to accept that it was a scam and wrote in with a complaint against me for refusing to tell him where his refund was. Stupidest thing was he worked only part time and had an income of less than the personal allowance and had paid no tax for a few years, what exactly did he think he was getting back?

John_Pierpoint

Mikeyorks wrote: »

As with all these things it's best to remind yourself you did not provide HMRC with your Email address. And that, repeatedly, they make the point they do not communicate via Email. So you simply delete them ....... or send them onto the phishing address at HMRC if you're in the mood.

.............except when you apply to use the on-line self assessment system.

aurion22

Mikeyorks wrote: »

It's certainly better than the one I deleted not 5 mins ago. Which finished with 'Best Regards from HM Revenue & Customs'!

That sounds like the one I've just received. Somehow I just can't see HMRC ever signing off with "Best Regards".:rotfl:

Pity really, I could do with the £340!

Avaggdu

I work for the Pension Service, and have recently heard of queries from customers about a similar spam email purportedly from the Internal Revenue Service (the American HMRC). Most people will have the sense to spot it's not from HMRC, and the fact that HMRC NEVER contacts people by email in these circumstances, but just to add my two penn'eth (VAT paid).