Targeted!

Bogus emails are apparently targeting people who are aiming to meet next Friday’s tax credit renewal deadline according to credit reference agency Equifax.

These emails offer tax refunds in return for credit card or bank details. It is therefore making sure people know that organisations such as HM Revenue and Customs do not ask for details such as these either via email or telephone.

The government introduced the tax credit system in 2003, but it has been the cause of many problems such as overpayments ever since it began.

In recent weeks most people have received tax credit renewal packs in the post in order to sort out their own.

Always Double-Check!

Equifax external affairs director, Neil Munroe, said that fraudsters were showing “cynical timing” as they send out emails to people offering relief from tax bills.

He advised: “If you were worried about money and then got the email you might think all your prayers had been answered.

“They ask for credit card or bank details and if you gave those you could find yourself very quickly a victim of ID fraud. However, generally a person would be alerted to a tax refund at the end of the financial year.”

He also warns that people should always double-check with the tax authority if they are not sure what to do about any documents they receive.

Other prevention tips to avoid becoming victim to this fraud, or similar things include the installation of virus protection software on your computer, having a range of passwords, and destroying hard drives on old computers.

What Do You Think?

Could more be done by the government  and HM Revenue and Customs to prevent such fraud? What else can the general public do to protect themselves? We would love to know your thoughts and opinions on this. Leave your comments here.