HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging the public to stay alert following a sharp increase in scams targeting Winter Fuel Payments. In June alone, the department received over 15,000 reports of fraudulent activity linked to these payments, prompting concern over the scale and sophistication of recent phishing attempts.
Scammers have been using deceptive emails, text messages, and fake websites to impersonate HMRC, aiming to steal personal and financial information, particularly from vulnerable groups. In response, HMRC successfully shut down more than 4,600 fraudulent websites connected to Winter Fuel Payment scams last month.
Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, warned:
“Scammers are actively trying to exploit people by posing as HMRC. Don’t let yourself be pressured into giving out personal information or making payments.
If you receive any unexpected phone calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from HMRC, do not click on any links, download attachments, or share private details.
We encourage everyone to report suspicious contact to HMRC right away. Prompt action helps protect others and reduces the impact of these scams.”
HMRC is reminding the public that it will never send texts or emails requesting personal details or offering Winter Fuel Payments. Most people eligible for the benefit will receive it automatically. If recovery of payment is needed, for example, for individuals with a total income over £35,000 – it will be managed via Pay As You Earn (PAYE) or Self Assessment, depending on how the person pays tax.
Full info obtained here
