Many thanks to Nigel Lomax at TaxAssist Accountants and Steph White at Don't Dream It Drive It for letting people know about a hoax email that's doing the rounds at the moment. An organisation claiming to be the lovely HMRC is emailing lots of business owners saying they're entitled to a Tax Rebate - whatever you do, do not fall for this by giving away your bank details or clicking on any links and attachments.
Nigel, a highly experienced accountant, makes it very clear that HMRC do not send notifications of tax rebates by email.
Cyber criminals are naturally pretty adept (albeit twisted) at tempting people into divulging their bank details, from claiming you can get a free satellite upgrade to this current HMRC scam. If in doubt, play it safe. Of course it would be nice to receive a tax rebate but - let's face it - there's more chance of Heat Magazine winning the Booker Prize.
In the HMRC hoax, you can also speak to a recommended local accountant or have a gander at HMRC's online security policy at www.hmrc.gov.uk. In the 'online security' section they actually give you an email address where you can forward them the scam email. HMRC would like to receive as many responses as possible in the hope of bringing a solid case against these criminals.
To keep yourself up-to-date with financial news for business owners, you can follow Nigel on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nigellomax.
Phew, that's a serious blog. But treat your bank / credit card details like your underpants - never share them with anyone....
