IRD warns public of scam email

AUCKLAND: Inland Revenue is warning the public not to be fooled by a scam email that is tricking recipients into giving up their credit card details.

The mock email claims they are due a tax refund from the IRD and asks them to click on a website where they can give their bank details.

It says it has received around700 notifications about the scam and urges people who have given their details to contact their bank immediately.

Inland Revenue chief information security officer Doug Hammond said the scam was convincing, but some important details made it detectable.

‘‘Firstly, look where the email is from. If it doesn’t come from an address that ends with ird.govt.nz, then be very suspicious.

‘‘Secondly, look at the link where they are trying to direct people to claim the refund.

‘‘Hover over the link with your mouse and make sure the web address is for a real Inland Revenue website.

‘‘Don’t click on it,’’ he warned. Anyone who receives an email from the IRD, or someone claiming to be the IRD, should get in contact with the department.

‘‘The same scammers look to be making multiple attempts to lure unsuspecting customers, and have been using the same messaging sent from a number of email addresses.

‘‘We would never send anyone an email with a hyperlink to a webpage that asks you to submit your personal information, so be vigilant about any correspondence with those instructions.

‘‘We send out emails all the time, but customers should be aware what a fraudulent one looks like,’’ Mr Hammond said. — NZME