Hoax emails offer tax rebate - 07/01/2009

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been the victim of a phishing scam, says Websense.

• According to the security firm, Brits across the country have been receiving hoax emails that offer a tax rebate. The emails contain a link, which supposedly directs the recipient to the HMRC website, where they are asked to enter their name, address and credit card details to obtain the refund.
• However the website is a fake, hosted in Denmark by cyber criminals looking to steal personal data.
• This isn't the first time spammers have used hoax tax emails in a bid to steal personal information. Sophos revealed last year that cyber criminals were sending emails claiming the ‘UK Government and Ministry of Finance’ was offering tax returns of between £450 and £650 for "family maintenance".
• An example of what these emails look like can be found on the HMRC website.