HMRC Stops 90% Of Scam Texts Reaching Your Inbox

The HMRC is claiming victory against the scammers in the busy run-up to the UK Self Assessment tax deadline, saying it stops 90% of the most convincing “smishing” texts reaching their intended recipients.

Although the tax office did not clarify what qualified as the “most convincing” texts, it claimed that it has saved thousands of taxpayers from potential phishing scams sent via mobile channels. Reports of scam HRMC texts have dropped from over 5000 in March 2017 to fewer than 1000 in December, it said.

Often these fake texts spoofed to appear as if sent by the HMRC claim the recipient is due a rebate and need only click on the link to recover it.

However, that link could lead to a phishing site designed to obtain personal information, or even download malware or a virus to your device.

HMRC claimed individuals are nine times more likely to fall for a so-called smishing scam than a phishing email because they can appear more convincing, with the sender displaying only as “HMRC” rather than an actual number.

The revenue collection agency claimed the tech it now uses identifies fraudulent texts with “tags” and stops them from being delivered.

This comes in addition HMRC blocking over 300 million phishing emails spoofed in its name, plus moves to remove 16,000 phishing websites.

The outreach comes as part of Take Five To Stop Fraud Week which aims to raise public awareness of digital scams.

TOP TIPS

• If you receive an email, text message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC, do not give over any personal information.
• HMRC will only ever send a letter to you relating to a tax refund or issue. 
• If you do fall victim to a scam of this, or a similar, nature, report it to Action Fraud.
• Get support following any cyber crime from Victim Support Warwickshire.