PAYE fraud & preventive measure

HMRC is currently writing to approximately 100,000 their customers and tax payers after detecting unauthorized access to online tax accounts. This is equivalent to approximately 0.22% of HMRC customers.

These incidents involved criminals using personal information they had already obtained from external sources to impersonate genuine customers and claim money fraudulently from HMRC, rather than customers themselves.

HMRC took action to protect tax payers’ data and secure affected accounts as soon as possible. No tax payers have experienced, or will experience, financial loss in respect of their tax affairs. HMRC is working with other law enforcement agencies both in the UK and overseas to bring those responsible to justice.

The letters advise customers who are represented to show their agent a copy. HMRC believe that this applies in a minority of cases as most tax payers affected by this incident are unrepresented.

If you have any concerns, you can email HMRC fraud team at fraudPreventionCentre@hmrc.gov.uk or call HMRC on online services helpdesk on 0300 200 3600 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) and select the option for "unauthorised access of HMRC online accounts".

Tax payers can check if a letter from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK.

For further guidance and advise contact Amin & Co Accountants (Accountant Manchester) or call at 0161 224 3510