Fraudsters are sending out tens of thousands of scam emails to coincide with the tax return deadline of 31^st January 2010.

Anyone caught out by the scam could have their bank account emptied or find some additional shopping on their credit card that they did not know about.

The "phishing” email

This is likely to have the heading ‘You have 1 new ALERT message’

You are then requested to log in to your on-line account to read the message which will state that you are entitled to a refund, the fraudsters then request your bank or credit card details.

Email addresses used so far

These addresses have been used to distribute the scam tax rebate emails and some may differ, they include:

• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Important to note - HMRC informs customers of a refund by post only. HMRC does not send out emails using those email addresses above and warns taxpayers not to respond to the "phishing" e-mails

If you have received one then forward it to HMRC at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you are entitled to a Tax rebate

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have said that they would not inform customers of a tax rebate via email, or invite them to complete an online form to receive a rebate of tax; they would only do this by letter.

You are strongly advised not to visit the website contained within the email or disclose any personal or payment information.

The scale of the problem 

Just under 6 million people filed their self-assessment tax returns online last year and the number for this year is expected to be several millions higher.  From February onwards is the key time when to expect the phishing emails as everyone would be waiting to see if they have a refund.

You have been warned; tell friends and family to whom this may apply.

You can find more help at the HMRC website.

Debtwizard comment

This can be found on Mike's blog Why 'sale and rent back' schemes needed regulating & Fraudsters target thousands of tax payers offering false rebates