Don’t be fooled by a sophisticated scam letter doing the rounds that could be mistaken for being authentic. Unlike recent scams, this attempt is not via email but as a letter and is very realistic.

The letter looks like a typical letter from HMRC and is very well done. The BX9 1QE postcode at the top of the letter even corresponds to an HMRC sorting office.

It claims to be from HMRC and writing to taxpayers in response to “the recent government initiative aimed at verifying declared income”.

The main red flags are the email at the bottom of the letter and an incorrect tax reference (it’s only 7 numbers).

It asks about any health issues or personal circumstances that they need to be aware of and then requests copies of bank statements, accounts and VAT returns amongst other things. It also asks the recipient to email a copy of their passport photo or the front and back of their driving licence for identification purposes.

The documents are to be emailed to a credible HMRC email address, except that it is not.

The scam letter advises the recipient to send requested documents to companies-review at hmrc-taxchecks.org and asks that they quote the reference number at the top of the letter.

All very believable.

Tax scams come in many forms. Some offer a rebate, while others tell you that your tax details are out of date, or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion. Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. HMRC will also never ring up threatening arrest.

Unexpected contact from HMRC should set alarm bells ringing. Be on your guard.