MEDIA RELEASE

22 March 2013

Inland Revenue warns customers about hoax phone calls offering tax refunds

Inland Revenue customers are continuing to receive hoax phone calls telling them that they are eligible for a tax refund or unclaimed money.

“Unfortunately these calls are continuing and people are still being targeted by these fraudsters,” Group Manager, Customer Services, Eleanor Young said.

“Those making the calls may offer a person a tax refund, a grant, or even unclaimed money if they make an upfront direct payment to a bank account via Western Union. There have also been cases when a person has been asked to make the transfer online through a website address while they are still talking on the phone.”

Ms Young said that anyone who is contacted, and has suspicions that the call is a hoax, should hang up immediately.

“Those running these scams continue to use the Inland Revenue brand to try to get money from people illegally and they may also be attempting to gain people’s personal details such as credit card and bank account details.

Inland Revenue will never ask customers to send money to receive either a tax refund or unclaimed money and we strongly advise people not to transfer funds to the fraudsters under any circumstances.

“If anyone has replied to those behind these scams, and given money or their personal details, they should contact their bank or credit card provider immediately,” Ms Young said.

Information is available on the Inland Revenue website - http://www.ird.govt.nz/news-updates/like-to-know-suspicious-emails.html.

ENDS

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