HMRC warns students of scams

Published: 23/09/2021

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning university students to be wary of potential scams, especially if they have a part-time job and are new to interacting with the department.

Higher numbers of students going to university this year means more young people may choose to take on part-time work. Being new to interacting with HMRC, and unfamiliar with genuine contact from the department, could make them vulnerable to scams.

In the past year almost one million people reported scams to HMRC.

Nearly half of all tax scams offer fake tax refunds, which HMRC does not offer by SMS or email. The criminals involved are usually trying to steal money or personal information to sell on to others. HMRC is a familiar brand, which scammers abuse to add credibility to their scams.

Links or files in emails or texts can also download dangerous software onto a computer or phone. This can then gather personal data or lock the recipient’s machine until they pay a ransom.

Between April and May this year, 18 to 24-year olds reported more than 5,000 phone scams to HMRC.

HMRC’s advice is:

Stop: 

• Take a moment to think before parting with your money or information.
• Don’t give out private information or reply to text messages, and don’t download attachments or click on links in texts or emails you weren’t expecting.
• Do not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed.

Challenge:  

• It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests – only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact and how to avoid and report scams.

Protect:

• Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599. Report scam phone calls on GOV.UK.
• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, and report it to Action Fraud (in Scotland, contact the police on 101).

Visit HMRC's web pages to read the full news story on student scams.