Inland Revenue warns customers to beware of
fraudulent emails and imitation
webpages
Inland Revenue is warning
customers be alert for fraudulent emails and three separate
imitation websites claiming to be from the
department.
“The scheme involves customers
receiving emails with links to imitation Inland Revenue web
pages for Online Tax Refunds. Information on these pages
advises customers that ‘we automatically pay refunds of
$600 or less to you 15 days after the date of your PTS,”
said Group Manager Customer Services Eleanor Young
“We
want to make our customers aware that this is scam and a
deliberate attempt to use the Inland Revenue logo and brand
to steal confidential and personal information. Although the
pages look very similar to those on the Inland Revenue
website they are most definitely fake
“Any information
that is given to these fraudsters can result in a business
or individuals suffering identity and data theft.
Ms Young
said that Inland Revenue is aware of the issue and working
with the National Cyber Security Centre and the E-crimes
division of the Police to get the sites removed. The key
thing to remember is that Inland Revenue will never issue a
tax refund onto a credit card.
“These imitation website
addresses are long and jumbled which show they are not
authentic. We remind our customers that if anyone has
replied to those behind these scams, and given money or
their personal details, they should contact their bank or
credit card provider immediately,” Ms Young said.
Inland
Revenue asks customers to keep their IRD numbers, tax
information, online passwords and all other data safe at all
times. If you think someone is using an identity
fraudulently, or attempting to steal your confidential
information, then let the department know
Information is
available on the Inland Revenue website – http://www.ird.govt.nz/news-updates/like-to-know-suspicious-emails.htm
To
report suspicious phone calls or emails that target Inland
Revenue customers, please send an email tophishing@ird.govt.n
ENDS