HMRC warns of SEISS email scam
The fourth SEISS grant has only just opened up for claimants, but already HMRC has issued a warning about an email scam doing the rounds. What should traders look out for?
The fourth SEISS grant gateway opened last week. Eligible claimants should have been contacted by HMRC in writing to let them know exactly when to apply. However, it appears that opportunistic fraudsters have seized on this to try to trick people into handing over highly sensitive personal information. The new scam takes the form of a “phishing” email. It informs the recipient that the SEISS grant is open for application and contains a link to apply. It states that the claimant will need to divulge their bank account, passport and driving licence details. As with many scams of this type, the standard of grammar and language is poor. However, it could catch out traders if they don’t read it properly. The only way to apply for the SEISS grant is via the link on the official portal page here.
Related Topics
-
Why is HMRC checking PVA more often?
Your business imports goods and accounts for VAT by applying postponed VAT accounting (PVA) on its returns. HMRC is scrutinising returns and issuing large assessments in some cases. What can you do to reduce the risk of getting it wrong?
-
HMRC text or scam? Check before you act
HMRC is contacting some taxpayers by text this week about overdue Self Assessment liabilities and is also sending updates about VAT registration applications. At the same time, it has expanded its guidance on spotting fake HMRC messages on social media. How can you tell whether a message is genuine?
-
Received a P800? Check how HMRC has used your allowances
Some HMRC P800 tax calculations can produce too much tax where a taxpayer has several different types of income and allowances are not allocated in the most favourable way. People with employment or pension income alongside savings, dividends or other income are particularly at risk here. Could HMRC be charging you too much?

This website uses both its own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and navigation on our website in order to improve its contents (analytical purposes: measure visits and sources of web traffic). The legal basis is the consent of the user, except in the case of basic cookies, which are essential to navigate this website.