Media Release: 04 April 2016
Warning on New Email
Phishing Scam
Kiwi taxpayers are being warned to
watch out for a new email phishing scam which asks them to
disclose their personal financial information.
The
phishing email states the customer is eligible for a tax
refund, but must first send their credit card details to
receive it.
CEO of MyTax.co.nz Lester Binns, says scammers
have most likely distributed the email in an attempt to
capitalise on the close of the March financial year, and
warns Kiwis not to click on the link or respond to the
sender of the email.
“No reputable tax agent should
never ask for your credit card details to process a refund,
if you see an email of this nature it should be treated with
caution,” he says.
Binns says the IRD advises any
customers who receive the email to visit
http://ird.govt.nz/identity-security for further
advice.
He says the scam, which appears to originate
overseas, has been reported to authorities
and is
currently under investigation.
Binns says taxpayers
wanting to safely check if they are owed a tax refund should
contact the IRD, a registered accountant or a personal tax
agent.
-Ends-