A New Hmrc Scam Message?

[venator]

Just received a very convincing email titled "Your tax summary" from "" no reply @ tax service .gov . uk" (without thr spaces)

It thanks me for submitting an online tax return (which I had done) and asks me to log onto a site "www , gov.. uk / annual tax summary" to see a new HMRC information document.

I'm fairly sure it's a scam - can anyone confirm this?

[factor-fiction]

First thing I would check is does it mention my name.
Anyway, don't click on a link- just go onto the HMRC site in the usual way and log in to see if there is a document there for you

[ummmm]

I thought HMRC only used snail mail.

Does the email use your name?

[janbee]

I've had this too. I forwarded it on to [email protected]

[Jackdaw33]

Doesn't sound like a scam as you have submitted a return on-line, but if you are at all worried don't reply .unless you owe them money.

[Canary42]

I believe that HMRC claim they never communicate by e-mail, so I would say it's certainly phishing - I would say delete it and report it to HMRC via the same Gateway you submitted your online return.

[Cloverjo]

Can you log on to your account via the site you used to submit your return? You should be able to view it on there. I think if they have a message for you, it should be on there, too.

[factor-fiction]

HMRC do use email now because sent a secure message I think it was about a reallocation of tax code changes I needed and they sent a confirmation email back and then replied by email saying the query had been dealt with. The method seemed secure- I can't remember exactly but I recall they wanted me to log on to see it

[Canary42]

///I thought HMRC only used snail mail.///

Not true, they immediately acknowledged my return in an e-mail from [email protected] - it included this information :-

"Self Assessment Online is just one of the many online services we offer that can save you time and paperwork. When you sign in you can choose to receive Self Assessment correspondence through your online account. For the latest information on all of our Online Services please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk"

[Canary42]

Ignore the first part of my first response.

[Jackdaw33]

I suppose the only way to check is to give them a ring...cue,"Your call is very important to use and will be answered as soon as one of our advisors becomes available. Please hold the line whilst we rack up the charges on your phone bill."

[Cloverjo]

The fact that the original email came from an address that didn't have hmrc in it makes me think it might be a scam. I've never had an email with "taxservice" in the address from hmrc.

[Jackdaw33]

Good point, Clover.

[factor-fiction]

I would only ring as a last resort -If I had a log in then logging in (directly not via a link) would be the best way for me

[Dizmo]

100% scam. They already know about it as well as I spoke to them over the phone about a month back about this. The links in the email don't actually go directly to the HMRC website, they go through another server first.

[factor-fiction]

Yes, of course we should never click on links. You can usually see the real address by hovering over it or by viewing the headers but good scammers can actually disguise that to so it looks genuine, so even if it looks genuine you shouldn't click the links. My main point was that the safest thing to do is log on directly from scratch if you there may be something there for you

[Dizmo]

FF: Agreed. A lot of scammers are wising up and 'spoofing' the actual address - as you say, even from viewing it by hovering over it.

I never click on anything from any emails, even if I know they are genuine. It's a good practice to get into. If you can type at the speed of sound (like I can) then it's just as quick typing it than having to go for the mouse! I use keyboard shortcuts for everything so very rarely use my mouse.

[TWR]

I've had a few & deleted them, if the HMRC wanted you for any urgent reason, they would contact you through your other form of ID.

[venator]

Thanks, everyone - I thought it was a scam, but it was so well done - no spelling mistooks, and the presentation was very convincing, including a scam warning with another link to HMRC phishing even!

[Peter Pedant]

I have just had snail mail from the tax man
and thought this must be OK
they never email

and the site handle www gov uk is wrong for HMRC innit ?

although it sounz pretty convincing
an invitation to download is always suspicious

and I have never had a email tax summary ...

phishing