Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 27 October 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 October 2015. It was answered by David Gauke (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 November 2015 on behalf of the Treasury.

Welfare Tax Credits

Question

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the quality of the information available for HM Revenue and Customs claimants to distinguish between genuine communications from Concentrix and phishing scams.

Answer

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) undertakes a wide range of work to protect customers from websites which attempt to unlawfully obtain information. This includes:


  • maintaining a portfolio of domains which could be used to confuse customers
  • proactively monitoring the internet daily to identify sites which infringe on the brand, and taking appropriate legal action against them
  • providing a mailbox service for the reporting of suspected phishing emails and websites.

    HMRC's pages on GOV.UK make clear that Concentrix works on behalf of HMRC, and that some tax credits customers will receive a letter showing both logos. Neither HMRC, nor agencies working for HMRC, will ever ask for online banking or other information via email or over the phone that would enable an unauthorised person to access bank accounts or otherwise commit fraud.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13712
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Fraud Email Welfare tax credits Concentrix
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk