HMRC Scam Text Message

treetrunk1890

Hi all,

Earlier today about 4pm I received a message saying the following: “HMRC: You still have an outstanding tax refund from last year. Please visit our secure link to process” and then it included a link. I’m only 17 years old and stupidly clicked on the link and entered my full name and postcode. The website claimed I was owed £290..

Called ActionFraud and turns out it’s a bogus website which looked EXACTLY like the HMRC website. I’m registered with their website so assumed it was legit and ended up nearly giving away many more details.

Luckily, I noticed that they asked for my email address and password and instantly my boyfriend told me to call the fraud report number. I wanted to post on here to warn anybody about similar messages just in case they’re not as fortunate. Please don’t click or enter any details, just report it ASAP!

whizzywoo

This is a well known scam which has being do the rounds for years.  Your boyfriend has done you a big favour in recognising it.
HMRC (the tax office) would never contact you in this way concerning a refund.
There are many similar scams about so you need to keep your wits about you.
Always think - Did I actually pay any income tax in that year?  Have I claimed a refund of income tax?  ALWAYS consult your Personal Tax Account or ring up HMRC (not using the link in the scam message) and check.