Fake correspondence pretending to be from HRMC is getting more and more common and often less obvious that it's fraudulent.
We have recently been made aware of some very genuine looking letters apparently from HMRC which are actually fraudulent. The letters, which are addressed from 'Indiv and Small Business Compliance" at HMRC ask the recipient to provide various financial information to HMRC by email. The documents requested include business bank statements, accounts, VAT returns, and driving licenses for directors.
A HMRC spokesperson has confirmed that the letter is fraudulent and has given advice on how to stay safe online. If a phone call, text, letter or email is suspicious or unexpected, the recipient should not give out private information, reply to it, download any attachments or click on links. It may be possible to check that contact letters are genuinely from HMRC at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-a-letter-youve-received-from-hmrc-is-genuine
If you receive a letter from HMRC, it is important to check:
- Spelling and grammar
- Any addresses including postcodes
- Contact details - phone numbers and email addresses
- Logos or images on the letter
- Any dates
- If there is an urgent demand for action, especially if this is the first letter you've received from HMRC
- If the letter asks for personal information, including bank details
If you have even the slightest doubt, contact HMRC using the contact details on the Gov.UK website and ask them to confirm that the communication you have received is genuine. Any such letters can also be reported to HMRC by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lentells' clients should check with their usual contact before responding to any such letters or contact us for additional support.
If you think you've been victim of a scam, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to receive help and advice on what to do next.
