HMRC new target in phishing scams

The HMRC - Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs - has become the latest target in internet phishing scams.

Phishing scams involve sending emails to random users, usually claiming to be from a bank, asking them to log in via a link.

However, the link is to a fake website, which aims to capture confidential information for use by organised criminal gangs.

Phishing attempts using HMRC as a reference are a new tactic, and so far involve the promise of a tax refund - if only the company enters it’s banking details into the fake website.

Of course, any attempt to claim the refund by entering the company banking details is a guaranteed way to see company accounts emptied by the Russian mafia.

In the meantime, internet users are reminded to be vigilant against phishing scams, and to use the latest internet browsers - most of which now have built in anti-phishing tools.

Phishing emails can be easily spotted by the fact they never address users by name. A preview in Oulook will also show that links in the email go to unrecognised domains.

In the event that you feel you may have fallen for a phishing scam, contact your bank immediately.