The taxman is warning people to be aware of email scam pretending to offer customers a tax rebate.

The email contains a link which offers potential victims the chance to complete the tax refund.

News Shopper:

An example of a scam email referring to tax rebate

After a concerned resident sent News Shopper the fraudulent email, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has given out the following advice.

They have stated that any email to customers about their personal tax or tax credits will never include or ask for:

• Personal or financial information of any sort; this includes the customer’s full address, full postcode, Unique Tax Reference (UTR), or any bank details

• Financial information which refers to specific figures, tax computations or specific facts about a customer

• Email attachments

• Web links

• An offer of a repayment or refund

• A personal HMRC email address to send a response to

Director of security and information and departmental security officer (DSO) Jonathan Lloyd White, said: “When using our online services I would urge all our customers to be vigilant.

“Remember that HMRC will never send an email to ask for your personal information or password, or include a link or attachment.

“We want to help people stay safe online.”

Customers receiving an email from HMRC can check against the protocol to see whether it is genuine or a fraud, and forward a suspicious email to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it.

Have you been affected by fraudulent tax emails? Email jake.bacon@london.newsquest.co.uk