HMRC issues scam warning to tax credits customers

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning about scams targeting tax credit claimants, with fraudsters using tactics such as falsely claiming direct debit payments have not gone through, or that an individual’s national insurance number has been used in fraud. These scams may mimic genuine government communications. The department is advising around 1.5 million tax credits customers to ensure any contact is genuine. The National Cyber Security Centre reports that HMRC was the third most impersonated government body in 2022.