If you receive an email or a text message asking you to download the Revenue app or change your personal details to collect a tax refund today, it’s probably best to delete it immediately.
Revenue Commissioners are warning the public to be aware of a scam that’s underway across Ireland… and to double check with your bank or credit card company if you suspect you’ve already been swindled.
A message posted on the Revenue website explains:
“This week the Revenue Commissioners have become aware of fraudulent emails and SMS (text messages) purporting to come from Revenue seeking personal information from taxpayers in connection with a tax refund or seeking credit/debit card details.
“These emails and text messages did not issue from Revenue.
“The Revenue Commissioners never send emails or text messages requiring customers to send personal information via email, text or pop-up windows.’
“Anyone who receives an email or text message purporting to be from Revenue and suspects it to be fraudulent or a scam is advised to delete it. Anyone who is actually awaiting a tax refund should contact their local Revenue Office to check its status.
“If you provided personal information in response to a fraudulent email or text message, the advice is to contact your bank or credit card company immediately.”
The scam email, which is sent from [email protected], appears legitimate, but it’s likely part of a phishing scam where bogus emails are sent to people in order to trick them into revealing personal or financial information.
Follow a link and you’ll likely be taken to a fake web page, which will try to trick you into entering personal information such as a PIN, password, PPSN or bank account information.
That information may be used in various ways, e.g. to apply for credit card in the person’s name, or write cheques from their bank account.
For more information, check out the security page on the Revenue website.
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