HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is boosting its online protection and urging all customers to keep their personal details safe online, when completing their Self Assessment return.
HMRC is issuing more than a million Self Assessment emails to customers, reminding them of the impending 31 January deadline. As one of the most phished brands in the world, HMRC has a strict protocol in place to help customers protect themselves against email scammers.
Scammers use this peak in online activity to carry out increasingly sophisticated frauds and to make their phishing emails appear genuine and relevant. Cyber criminals are likely to use the approaching deadline for Self Assessment as a cover for their scams.
Customers receiving an email from HMRC can check against the protocol to see whether it is genuine. An HMRC email to customers about their personal tax or tax credits will never include or ask for:
- personal or financial information of any sort; this includes the customer’s full address, full postcode, Unique Tax Reference (UTR), or any bank details
- financial information which refers to specific figures, tax computations or specific facts about a customer
- email attachments
- web links
- an offer of a repayment or refund
- a personal HMRC email address to send a response to.
The online tax return service is just one of the digital services that HMRC provides, with more than 85% of 2013-14 Self Assessments completed online by the 31 January deadline. Recently, HMRC also launched the Personal Tax Account which, by the end of 2016, will enable all customers to communicate with HMRC safely and securely through messaging and web chat within the online account.
HMRC takes online security extremely seriously, but it also needs customers to play their part. As it provides more digital ways of working, it is constantly improving its online security. Customers will see this when accessing the Self Assessment service this year, with the addition of more security controls.
HMRC is asking all customers to be vigilant when completing their tax return online. They can help to keep their data safe by making sure their computer has up-to-date anti-virus protection and the latest version of their internet browser, by keeping their passwords safe and changing them regularly.
Jonathan Lloyd White, Director of Security and Information and Departmental Security Officer (DSO), HMRC, said: “Handling the personal details of every taxpayer in the country is a huge responsibility and the security of this data, especially online, is a top priority for HMRC.
“We are committed to customers’ online security, but the methods that fraudsters use to get information are constantly changing so people need to be alert. When using our online services I would urge all our customers to be vigilant, and remember that HMRC will never send an email to ask for your personal information or password, or include a link or attachment. We want to help you stay safe online. Visit cyberstreetwise.com for more advice.”
