Scam email warning

Licensees are warned that a bogus email saying they're eligible for a tax refund is in circulation.

The email resembles an official communication from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and advises recipients that they can claim tax back.

"After annual calculations of your fiscal activity, we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of 188.50 GBP," it states.

It asks them to click a link to fill out their bank details. Customers who provide this information run a risk of their accounts being emptied and credit cards used to their limit. The victim also risks having personal details sold to criminal gangs.

Graham Allman, managing director of property agent GA-Select, who received the email, said: "Internet scams are becoming more prevalent. Everyone in the trade needs to be on their guard."

Lesley Strathie, HMRC chief executive, said: "We only ever contact customers who are due a refund in writing, by post. We never use emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances.

"I would encourage anyone receiving such an email to send it to us [at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk] for investigation and then to delete it."