HMRC QR code scam alert

Local News 8 May 2024

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is warning that a new VAT email scam is circulating

The scam encourages recipients to scan a QR code and enter personal details. 

If you receive such email, the HMRC advises not to engage and to report it to the HMRC phishing team by forwarding the email to [email protected].

While the HMRC uses QR codes in their official correspondence, they only do so to direct users to guidance. They will never ask you to submit personal information via a QR code. 

The National Cyber Security Centre have guidance on the immediate steps you can take to protect your organisation against phishing attacks.

They also offer further specific advice on QR-enabled fraud in their recent blog: QR codes - what’s the real risk.


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