Revenue issues fresh warning over bogus phone calls

Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners have issued a new alert to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, highlighting a spate of bogus phone calls from scammers purporting to work for Revenue.

Fraudulent callers are reportedly advising individuals that they are due a tax refund or demanding an instant payment of an outstanding tax bill.

This latest warning is just three months after a cyber security firm highlighted an email phishing scam designed to enable cyber-criminals to snare sensitive information from unsuspecting small firms.

These latest phone scammers go on to warn that legal action will be taken against the caller, boxing them into a corner to try and extract sensitive information that can be used by the fraudsters against them.

A spokesperson for Revenue, said: “Revenue has become aware of a number of individuals who received phone calls from a person purporting to work in Revenue advising that a tax refund is due, demanding the immediate payment of a tax bill or stating that a criminal case is being taken against the individual.

“This person is not calling from Revenue.

“It is important to point out that these types of scams in no way involve Revenue’s systems or security.”

If any small business or self-employed professional receives such a call unexpectedly regarding a so-called tax refund or outstanding bill, they are recommended to contact their local Revenue Office immediately.

Alternatively, get in touch with your local TaxAssist Accountant, who can put your mind at ease by confirming the legitimate reasons why Revenue will get in contact with you and their official methods of contact.

Revenue is urging all individuals affected by these fresh bogus phone calls to telephone the Collector General’s Division on 1890 20 30 70 or 01 738 36 63.

Meanwhile anyone who mistakenly provides sensitive personal or financial information in response to these phone calls should contact their bank or credit card firm immediately, along with the Gardaí.

Date published 27 Mar 2019 | Last updated 27 Mar 2019