Warnings from Companies House and HMRC about scam emails

Companies House are warning that some people have received fraudulent emails claiming to be from them.

A spokesman said: “We’re aware that some customers have received suspicious emails about company complaints. These emails are not from us. The email is sent from ‘noreply@cpgov.uk’ with the following message:

“If you receive any emails from this sender, forward them to phishing@companieshouse.gov.uk as soon as possible. Do not open any attachments.”

He added: “If you receive a suspicious email, you should report it to us immediately. Do not disclose any personal information or open any attachments. Companies House will never ask for your authentication code.”

You can read Companies House guidance on reporting fraud by going to its website – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reporting-fraud-about-a-company-to-companies-house

HMRC warns on tax refund scams

HMRC is calling on people to stay vigilant in the fight against fraudsters who are using email and text messages to scam them out of their savings.

The tax authority is currently processing tax refunds after the end of the 2017 to 2018 tax year. However, criminals are taking advantage of this by sending out scam emails and SMS-messages to trick the public into thinking they have received a tax rebate so they hand over their account and personal details.

Treasury Minister Mel Stride MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “HMRC only informs you about tax refunds through the post or through your pay via your employer. All emails, text or voicemail messages saying you have a tax refund are a scam. Do not click on any links in these messages, and forward them to HMRC’s phishing email address and phone number.

“We know that criminals will try and use events like the end of the financial year, the self-assessment deadline, and the issuing of tax refunds to target the public and attempt to get them to reveal their personal data. It is important to be alert to the danger.”

Many of these fraudulent emails and texts include links that take the user to dubious websites where their information can be stolen. These sites are a focus of HMRC’s efforts to tackle fraud. In March 2018, it requested 2,672 phishing websites be taken down and received 84,549 phishing reports. This kind of phishing is expected to continue in the coming months as genuine tax refunds are issued.

Advice for you, your clients or employer:

• Recognise the signs – genuine organisations like banks and HMRC will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, password or bank details.
• Stay safe – do not give out private information, reply to text messages, download attachments or click on links in emails you weren’t expecting.
• Take action – forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and texts to 60599, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report any suspicious calls or use its online fraud reporting tool.