Local MP Warns of Tax Scam Emails

10.05.00am GMT Mon 1st Feb 2010

Local MP, Paul Burstow, is warning his constituents against email scams that could see residents losing thousands of pounds. The MP issued his warning after being the victim of an email scam himself.

Mr Burstow received an email claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs. The email told him he was eligible for a tax return. His suspicion was roused by the language which was used.

According to the Office of Fair Trading around 3 out of 4 people will fallen foul of email scams. According to surveys 7 out of 10 people say they have received emails from fraudsters trying to trick them into revealing account details and passwords. Around 5% of people have been conned into paying more than £5,000.

Paul Burstow MP said: "Cyber criminals are using increasingly sophisticated ways of conning people. The email I received made me realise just how careful you have to be. People need to be vigilant and make sure that they have the proper security in place such as up-to-date anti-virus software."

Three of the most common e-mail scams which consumers should look out for are:

Phishing - the email appears to come from your bank, a company you regularly do business with, a Government Department or from your social networking site and directs you to a mocked up website that asks you to provide personal data such as account details, passwords and credit card numbers. The site is fake and your details can be used to commit identity fraud.

Bogus foreign lotteries - you are told you have won a foreign lottery but to claim your winnings must send off money to cover administrative fees. Often your personal details will also be requested and used to commit identity fraud.

Advance fee scams - someone asks you to help transfer a large sum of money out of a foreign country in return for a share of the spoils but they are just looking to empty your bank account. A recent variation involves being asked to part with money for 'taxes' and 'visas' in relation for a fake job offer.

The text of the scam email is as follows:

HM Revenue & Customs

United Kingdom

tax-refund@hmrc.gov.uk

Dear Applicant:

Please note now you can get your tax refund, after the last annual calculation of your fiscal activity we

have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund for 314.79 GBP.

Please take a few minutes to fill your form attached to this message.

The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential and as applicable, copyright in these is

reserved to HM Revenue & Customs.

Sincerely,

HM Revenue & Customs