Scam warning: fraudsters have been sending out fake emails pretending to be from HMRC and the government - how to spot them

An email phishing scam is using the coronavirus pandemic to con people out of hundreds of pounds, Action Fraud has confirmed.

Fraudsters have sent at least 23 fake emails which claim to be from HMRC and several more pretending to be from the official government website.

The emails claim to help those who are struggling financially due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures.

What do the false HRMC emails say?

The emails, claiming to be from HMRC, state that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund of up to £775.80.

It goes on to claim that this money can be accessed once the recipient has replied to the email attaching proof of their identity, such as a copy of their passport or a recent utility bill, along with their home address.

Such emails were sent between Saturday, April 11 and Tuesday, April 14, according to the fraud reporting agency, Action Fraud.

What do the false gov.uk emails say?

Other emails mimicking communications from the official government website, www.gov.uk, were sent between Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 16.

The emails claimed the recipient could receive a reduction to and a refund for their council tax payments.

The email also contained a link to a webpage which claimed to process the supposed refund by a bank transfer, once the individual had entered their personal bank details.

How can I avoid these types of phishing scams?

Do not open any emails or text messages which you are not expecting to receive - especially those claiming to be from government bodies - claiming to give you a refund or offering you reduced tax rates.