HMRC warns of tax rebate scam

Rip-off firms claiming to help people get tax rebates are fleecing customers for up to half the payment.

The companies take a massive cut for processing forms when people can claim directly from HM Revenue & Customs.

A study by Which? found claimants were being drawn in by copycat sites that look like the official Government one. Others searching online for “tax refund” were suckered in by middle men.

Jenny Ross, of Which?, said: “HMRC is the best port of call. Go to its website directly.”

A spokesman for HMRC said: “We don’t accredit or in any way approve agents and take firm action against any not complying with the law.”