Beware of HMRC Copycat Scam

Beware of HMRC Copycat Scam

Approximately one million people, mostly women, are going to receive a letter from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) advising them that they are eligible to claim a payment for tax relief. The payment is typically for £70.00 but may vary due to circumstances.

Nottinghamshire Trading Standards are warning Nottinghamshire residents to be aware of potential ‘copycat’ scams.

Anyone eligible - the vast majority of whom will be of working age rather than pensioners - will be contacted automatically. You will be asked to provide your bank details through your personal tax account or by phoning HMRC.

If you receive a letter, there are various checks you can do to ensure the letter is genuine:

You do not need to apply. If you are eligible, you will be sent information by HMRC in a letter or through your online personal tax account,

HMRC will not text, email or call you about this. If you receive such a call or message, it is a scam.

You will never be asked to transfer money or for PIN codes or passwords.

Check the GOV.UK "Check if a letter you've received from HMRC is genuine", and look for "Low Earner's Pension Payment" here: Check if a letter you’ve received from HMRC is genuine - GOV.UK

If you are in any doubt that the letter you have received is genuine, contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300.

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Message Sent By
Becky Shooter
(Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards Service, Trading Standards Officer, Nottinghamshire)