The organization reported that it had received over 620,000 email tax scams last year. This was an increase of up to 20,000 cases previously recorded.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning about the dangers of tax frauds that have devastated UK universities. These scams are mostly targeted at students who are new to the school system. These students have no prior interactions with the taxation process and they make easy prey for this scammers.
HMRC has been in contact with school administrations advising them to warn the first-year students about scams. The scams are mostly carried out in emails. To minimize the risk of getting scammed, students should realize the dangers they are exposed to and how to recognize them.
The organization reported that it had received over 620,000 email tax scams last year. This was an increase of up to 20,000 cases previously recorded. The rising cases of scams have lead HMRC to swing into action in advising some of the most targeted groups. Students made up thousands of people who had been scammed.
Scams will be eradicated by all means
Jesse Norman MP, financial secretary to the Treasury, said:
Cybercriminals use every means they can to steal money and personal data from students. That’s why HMRC is asking all UK universities to make sure students know how to protect themselves.
She continued by saying that they were doing everything in their power to ensure that these scam cases are eradicated. Parents, schools and students, however, were advised to take necessary precautions in the fight against fraud. They should be vigilant in recognizing these type of scams and once they detect any fraud, they were advised to email the info to [email protected]
There was also a growing trend of these scammers using GOV.UK or search domain extensions to make them look legit. They are also using the .ac.uk to look authenticate and duping students with false promises. Students should be on the lookout for deals that are too good to be true and cooperate with the authority to help solve this spike in tax fraud cases.
