Warning over scam tax emails

TRADING Standards chiefs in Warrington have warned residents to be on their guard against scam emails following the HM Revenue and Customs announcement of errors in the tax code system.
Thousands of people can expect to be receiving letters from the tax man either informing them they have not paid enough income tax or that they have paid too much.
But they will NOT be receiving emails.
If they do, they are being targeted by fraudsters.
Phishing emails purporting to come from HMRC have appeared in mail boxes up and down the country in recent months and the announcement about tax code errors unfortunately gives internet scammers a further window of opportunity.
Warrington and Halton Trading Standards team would like to stress that HMRC would not inform customers of a tax rebate or demand via email, or invite them to complete an online form to receive or claim tax. Those customers who are affected will be informed in writing from this week onwards.
Anyone who does receive this kind of email should not respond but forward it directly to [email protected]
To stop unwanted sales emails members of the public can register with the Email Preference Service at www.dma.org.uk