It appears that there are a substantial number of fake emails doing the rounds purporting to be from HMRC rather than list them all I have copied the advice from HMRC regarding them and helping people be safe and not give out dangerous information.

If you have received an email that you consider to be fraudulent, please forward it to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. HMRC cannot reply to every email, but it does investigate and take Online Security very seriously.

To help you spot a scam email HMRC has compiled a list of key points to look out for:

•Disclosing personal information - HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal information such as your PIN or your passwords, or your bank details. Never disclose this information to anyone.
•The padlock - when you log in to HMRC Online Services you are always in a 'secure session' - which is shown by the padlock or an unbroken key in the bottom right hand corner of your web browser. The beginning of HMRC's address will change from 'http' to 'https' when a secure connection is made.
•Your name - fraudulent emails are not normally addressed to you personally; they can have missing addressee details or contain something vague such as 'Dear valued customer'.
•The sender - HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was formed on the 18 April 2005 following the merger of Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise departments. Those former departmental names no longer exist. Recent fraud attempts have used fake departmental names, and purporting to be sent from HMRC Board Members.
•Links within the email - the email may include a link that you are asked to follow to take you to a website. Following the link takes you to a site that may look genuine, but it is most probably a fake. Always access the HMRC website by typing HMRC's address in the address bar of your web browser.
What to do if you receive a scam email
HMRC would never contact you asking you to disclose personal information. If you have received an email requesting personal information, payment of tax or suggests you are due a tax rebate, please take the following action:

•do not click on any links included in the email
•check for HMRC related scam examples
•send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk then delete it
•if you have anti-virus software on your computer - run it to check for infections
•review the advice featured on Get Safe Online (opens new window) on rectifying common online security problems.

Content taken from : HMRC Revenue & Customs Frauds & Scams

Thanks ITPR. We all get alot of these types of emails so it is great to now know where we can repot them to.

I received this one today ...

Tax Refund Notification


After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity, we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of 965.80 GBP. Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 5-7 days in order to process it.

Click the "Refund Me Now" link below and follow the on screen step in order to have us process your request.

Refund Me Now

Note : You will need to provide a valid bank account in which the funds will be payed to. A refund can be delayed for some reasons, for example submitting invalid records or applying after deadline.

Best Regards,
HM Revenue & Customs