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Just a quick one today, there have been a number of things today that have reminded me that it's once again the season for bogus communications from HMRC.

We've had a phishing email come in today apparently from HMRC talking about a tax rebate. I am about to put the text of the email in, but please be aware that WHAT FOLLOWS IS NOT ACTUALLY AN EMAIL FROM HMRC, the email address is faked.

From: HM Revenue and Customs Online [mailto:supprefnum-id-41gz@hmrc.gov.uk]
Sent: 29 April 2009 12:56
To: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: HM Revenue and Customs REFUND Notification - Please Read This

After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of J667.50
Please click on the link to proceed: [link removed for your safety]
A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons.
We apologize for any problems caused, and is very grateful for your collaboration.

Deliberate wrong inputs are criminally pursued and indicated.

Sincerely,
Brenna Rusko
Tax Refunds Department


Copyright © 2009 HM Revenue and Customs - All rights reserved.

As a simple security measure, please don't click on any links within unsolicited emails, no matter what they promise, no matter who they claim to be. If HMRC were to contact you it would never be by email they would either call or post it. If you are really concerned you can visit the HMRC Fraud and Scams page. Or forward the email itself to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk they cannot respond to every email, but I am sure they will do their best. Do not take no response as a good sign.

Hugo
30/04/2009