Beware of Fake HMRC Scam Letters

An accountancy firm has issued a warning to businesses regarding a sophisticated scam letter that impersonates the HMRC tax office. The letter, which mimics the official HMRC font, requests recipients to "verify your financial information." Azets, the firm that raised the alarm, shared a social media post on Friday showcasing the fraudulent letter received by one of their clients. Sajid Ghufoor, head of Azets' tax investigation and dispute resolution services, recounted how a client initially believed the letter to be legitimate. However, upon further examination by colleague Jemima Jones, they identified it as a scam due to the use of an email address not associated with HMRC. Ghufoor emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting that the sender's address was also invalid on Google Maps. A spokesperson for HMRC echoed these concerns, highlighting that criminals often mimic government communications to deceive individuals. They advised the public to remain cautious, stating, "Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing." The spokesperson urged citizens to take their time and consult HMRC's scam advice available on their official website. The fraudulent letter employed alarming language, threatening recipients with investigations and potential freezing of business activities if they failed to respond. Ghufoor pointed out that requests for financial verification are atypical for HMRC, reinforcing the need for businesses to be alert to such scams.