Household Bills
HMRC issues scam warning to university students
Students taking on part-time work and interacting with the tax authority for the first time could be more vulnerable to scams, HMRC said.
In the past year almost one million people reported scams to HMRC.
Nearly half of all tax scams offer fake tax refunds, which HMRC does not offer by SMS or email.
The criminals involved are usually trying to steal money or personal information to sell on to others. HMRC is a familiar brand, which scammers abuse to add credibility to their scams.
Links or files in emails or texts can also download dangerous software onto a computer or phone. This can then gather personal data or lock the recipient’s machine until they pay a ransom.
Between April and May this year, 18 to 24-year olds reported more than 5,000 phone scams to HMRC.
Mike Fell, head of cyber security operations at HMRC, said: “Most students won’t have paid tax before, and so could easily be duped by scam texts, emails or calls either offering a ‘refund’ or demanding unpaid tax.
“Students, who will have had little or no interaction with the tax system might be tricked into clicking on links in such emails or texts.
“Our advice is to be wary if you are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. We see high numbers of fraudsters contacting people claiming to be from HMRC. If in doubt, our advice is – do not reply directly to anything suspicious, but contact HMRC through GOV.UK straight away and search GOV.UK for ‘HMRC scams’.”
There are 0 Comment(s)
Everything you wanted to know about ISAs…but were afraid to ask
The new tax year is less than a fortnight away and for ISA savers or investors, it’s hugely important. If yo...
Your right to a refund if travel is affected by train strikes
There have been a wave of train strikes in the past six months, and for anyone travelling today Friday 3 Febru...
Could you save money with a social broadband tariff?
Two-thirds of low-income households are unaware they could be saving on broadband, according to Uswitch.
What will happen if rates change
How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.
Regular Savings Calculator
Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.
Online Savings Calculator
Work out how your online savings can build over time.
DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid
For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.
Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale
Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?
Five tips for surviving a bear market mauling
The S&P 500 has slipped into bear market territory and for UK investors, the FTSE 250 is also on the edge. Her...
Money Tips of the Week
© AE3 Media Ltd, Floor 7, Lincoln House, 296 - 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH, Company.