Beware of Government Gateway Emails

HMRC cautions individuals who receive unsolicited emails prompting them to verify changes to their online accounts to disregard them. Taxpayers and agents are urged to pay no attention to subsequent emails urging them to click on any links.

According to HMRC, “These emails, which we are aware have been received by some customers, are a tactic by scammers to direct people to a phishing site and steal personal details.  HMRC systems have not been compromised – but criminals have attempted to create fake customer accounts or to access existing accounts using personal data obtained through a variety of routes, including breaching other organisations’ security.”

Individuals who receive such communications are encouraged to report them to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.