Warning on Mid Sussex bogus tax refund email scam

10.34.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Jul 2009

Local campaigner Serena Tierney is warning people to be on their guard for an email scam designed to try and get details of personal information relating to individuals' tax affairs. The email, which is currently circulating in Mid Sussex, says that the recipient is entitled to a tax rebate and attaches a 'claim form' to fill in. It is an attempt to commit identity fraud and you should not open the attachment or respond to the email.

Serena Tierney, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Mid Sussex, said:

"I have received one of these emails myself. At first glance it may appear to come from an HMRC email address but it ends in '.co.uk' and genuine government addresses end in '.gov.uk'.

"Haywards Heath is one of the top 25 'hotspots' for identity fraud in the country and so it is not surprising that fraudsters target people in our area. It is a sad reflection on our times but we all have to be on the alert for scams like this. The email is designed to try and get important personal details that would help the fraudster to steal your identity.

"Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubt about whether an email is genuine or not, check the website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm or contact the tax credits helpline."

If you have received one of these emails and want to speak to someone about it you can contact the Inland Revenue on the tax credits helpline: 0845 300 3900 (textphone 0845 300 3909 for those with hearing difficulties)