Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum

General Topics => Computer Problems & Questions, Virus/Scam Warnings => Topic started by: Susiepink on June 16, 2014, 09:15:28 AM

Title: Phishing warning !
Post by: Susiepink on June 16, 2014, 09:15:28 AM
I am currently trying to reclaim some income tax from HMRC, due to the fact that I retired last September, I'm expecting to get around £700 back. I sent all the forms back hard copy a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday I received an email telling me that there is a refund due to me of £223, to open the attached form and fill in all my details in order for them to process the refund. The only reason I didn't do that was because I was miffed it wasn't enough, and I needed to talk to them and ask how on earth they figured they only owed me such a small amount. I had to wait until this morning to call and speak to someone, and having called them just now it turns out they haven't even processed my forms yet, and it's a phishing e mail. It didn't strike me at all odd, it looked very official, all the HMRC details correct, and how would anyone know I'm currently chasing them for a refund ??? Be aware...
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: Jacqui Harvey on June 16, 2014, 10:46:53 AM

A timely warning for people who don't know.
This scam has been going on for a number of years and there have been previous warnings on CBF.  I have had quite a few of these emails.  In fact, HMRC have an email address on their website so you can post the phishing mails on to them for investigation.  This is the page with details of how to send on details to HMRC.   I always keep the address in my favourites.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/reporting.htm
I also always copy and paste the properties so the HMRC know where the mail is really coming from.
Hope you get your refund soon.
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: WordBird on June 16, 2014, 10:57:49 AM
I've also had quite a few recently entitled something along the lines of 'Notification of Court Appearance' or 'Notification of Witness Summons' and similar.

These things can look so official, it's not difficult to understand how some people are drawn in - and especially when it's something relevant/possible to something ongoing as with you, Susie.  :(

Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: keng38 on June 16, 2014, 17:50:08 PM
Just remember ANYTHING tax related will only come via the post.
Tax rebates, paye, working tax credits etc etc
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: KKOB on June 16, 2014, 18:35:28 PM
You need to forward these spam and phishing emails to the organisations that they purport to come from. If you don't, they won't realise the scale of the problem and won't do anything to clamp down on it.

You can Google the email address for reporting these incidents for most organisations.
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: Jacqui Harvey on June 16, 2014, 19:29:26 PM
I have already given the details for HMRC which if clicked into, gives the email address to forward phishing emails too.
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: Susiepink on June 16, 2014, 20:06:49 PM
Yes ive forwarded them to relevant department! I had no idea that such things were happening,  ive had things from banks and credit card companies but never HMRC, it threw me because I am actually expecting a refund from them!
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: scorcher on June 16, 2014, 21:03:32 PM
 Try to keep up KKOB or you might have stay after school !   ;)
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: KKOB on June 16, 2014, 21:33:44 PM
Scorcher, I don't just mean for the HMRC ones that Her Maj is on about. ALL organisations need to be informed about phishing attempts.

Now, please write 100 times:

 "I must not try to get one over on KKOB just because he's better looking than me"


 ;)
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: scorcher on June 16, 2014, 21:53:48 PM
  :)
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: quackers on June 20, 2014, 06:25:10 AM
Another scammer that I am receıvıng emaıls from ıs USPS tellıng me they have a parcel to delıver. Blocked them and hopefully I wont get anymore messages.
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: Jacqui Harvey on June 20, 2014, 08:31:42 AM
I have had two emails from HMRC this week, so the season has started for these phishing mails.
I also get regular emails from UPS telling me they are holding a parcel.  Also had a few this week from Paypal telling me I have changed my login details and to click here to confirm.
I am now totally cynical to all mail I receive from Government Departments, Business and Banks.
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: quackers on June 21, 2014, 15:49:42 PM
They are not from UPS Jacquı they are from USPS and they have changed theır emaıl address sınce I blocked them so have blocked them agaın
Title: Re: Phishing warning !
Post by: heather07 on June 22, 2014, 00:04:09 AM
I emptied my junk box and found about ten from the tax office. 
Today I got one from my bank.  When I tried to forward it to the address given by the bank I got a message failure email.

I am hoping it is because their inbox is full and will try again on Monday.