CYBER CRIMINALS USING HMRC BRANDING IN PHISHING SCAMS
Cyber criminals are again impersonating Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) branding to try to trick the public into sharing personal or financial details.
The scam operates by criminals sending fraudulent emails claiming that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund as they have overpaid on their National Insurance Contributions (NICs). The recipient is then encouraged to 'submit their tax refund request' via a link, which would send them to a fraudulent website designed to harvest their personal details.
Criminals have used the branding other UK government departments or official organisations to obtain details or monies by deception from the unwary.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has produced guidance on how to spot the most obvious signs of a scam, and what to do if you've already responded.
This can be found at Phishing-attacks-dealing-suspicious-emails-infographic.pdf (ncsc.gov.uk)
