HMRC warning over tax return scam

HMRC is warning business owners yet to file their online tax returns to watch out for bogus emails requesting bank or credit card details.

The emails claim to be from HMRC saying the individual is due for a tax rebate but those who reply face having those accounts emptied.

"This is the most sophisticated and prolific phishing scam that we have encountered," said Lesley Strathie, chief executive of HMRC.

"We only ever contact customers who are due a refund in writing by post. We never use emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances.

"I would strongly encourage anyone receiving such an email to send it to us for investigation."

The organisation is also warning of a similar scam where customers are contacted for bank details by telephone.

The deadline for filing an online tax return is 31 January. The date for paper returns has already passed.