In a new post on X, formerly Twitter, HMRC said it has identified a new VAT email scam, which may encourage you to scan a QR code and share personal information
HMRC has issued a new scam alert after flagging a dodgy email that encourages people to enter personal details by scanning a QR code.
In a post published on X, formerly known as Twitter, HMRC said it would never ask people to share personal information through a QR code. It added: “SCAM ALERT. We’ve identified a new VAT email scam, which may encourage you to scan a QR code. HMRC will never ask you to submit personal information via a QR code. If you have received this email, do not engage, and report it to us.”
Guidelines published on GOV.UK state that HMRC uses QR codes in letters and correspondence – but says this will usually take you to GOV.UK. You will never be taken to a page where you have to share personal information. You can check genuine HMRC contacts on GOV.UK. If you believe you’ve been sent a scam email, you can forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. For scam phone calls, fill out an online form, or for dodgy text messages, you can forward them to 60599.
HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email or text message. You should contact your bank straight away if you think a fraudster has got access to your account. You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank. Passwords that have been leaked or compromised should also be changed immediately.
Tesco shoppers have also been the victim of a scam email this week. The email claims to offer a £500 gift card and links out to a dodgy survey website – but the gift card doesn’t exist and the email has nothing to do with Tesco. The survey is a way for the scammers to obtain your personal and financial details. Which? flagged the email in its latest scam alerts release.
