Nearly 22,000 phishing emails were reported to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during last year’s tax credits renewals period, from April to July.

Although the department worked with other agencies to shut down more than 147 scam websites during the period, others continue to be created.

Phishing emails often promise money back and, if the recipient clicks on a link, they are taken to a fake replica of the HMRC website. They are then asked to provide credit or debit card details or other sensitive information such as passwords. The fraudsters then try to take money from their account.

Money may be stolen from victims’ bank accounts, or their personal details can be sold to criminal gangs, leading to possible identify theft.

Nick Lodge, director general of benefits and credits, said:
“HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email. We are committed to your online security but the methods fraudsters use to obtain information are constantly changing, so you need to be alert. Anyone who receives this type of email should send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.”

The Tax Credit Office ask claimants to ‘renew’ their tax credits claim once a year to make sure they have been paid – and continue to be paid – the right money.

Everyone who makes a claim for tax credits during a tax year gets a renewal pack.

Packs are sent out during May and June.