Warning is issued over self-employed scheme
SCAMMERS TARGETING GOVERNMENT GRANT
SELF-EMPLOYED people seeking income support are being warned that scammers are targeting the government scheme.
The fifth round of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has now opened to applicants but HM Revenue and Customs has issued a warning to claimants.
In a tweet, HMRC said: “Scammers are targeting the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
“GOV.UK is the only place you can make your claim.”
The scheme, which supports people who are self-employed or members of a partnership that have been impacted by Covid-19, launched in April 2020.
It has since paid out more than £25 billion to nearly three million people.
A guide on spotting scams issued by HMRC said phone calls, emails and text messages could be a scam if they are:
■ Unexpected;
■ Offer a refund, tax rebate or grant;
■ Asks for personal information like bank details;
■ Is threatening;
■ Tells you to transfer money.
While the SEISS grant is legitimate, like with many other scams, fraudsters might claim to be the from the government under the pretence of the scheme.
Action Fraud has reported a massive wave of attacks throughout the pandemic with fraudsters taking advantage of people in coronavirus-related scams.
HMRC will only ever call you asking about a claim or payment on a debt that you already know about, never leave a voicemail threatening legal action and never give the reason for a call on a voice message.
If you think you have been targeted and have already shared personal details, you can report it to the HMRC security team.
If you have been the victim of a scam and suffered financial loss, report it to Action Fraud.