Beware e-mail tax rebate scam

Taxpayers have been warned to be on their guard against scam e-mails claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs.

Fraudsters are targeting individuals with fake "phishing" e-mails telling them they are due a tax refund and asking them to provide their bank or credit card details on the attached "claim form".

The scam works because of the convincing imitation of HMRC's website and several people have fallen victim to fraud as a result.

HMRC has reiterated that it never tells people of rebates over the phone or by e-mail.