- October 23, 2024
- Posted by: FCS Compliance
- Category: Art Market, Blog
Written by Rena Neville, Head of Art Division, FCS Compliance
Understanding HMRC Communication: A Guide for Businesses
In today’s digital age, distinguishing between genuine communication from HMRC and potential scams is crucial. Whether it’s a call, text, or WhatsApp message, being certain of the source is essential for safeguarding your personal and business information. This article will help you identify genuine HMRC contacts and avoid scams, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations.
Recent HMRC Scam Alerts
In October, HMRC issued a warning about potential scams, following updates to their Guidance in Spring 2024 on avoiding impersonation. One may surmise the recent text and updated guidance suggests a pressing need for vigilance among businesses and individuals alike.
How Fraudsters Operate
Fraudsters typically impersonate HMRC or other authoritative figures to obtain and misuse private business, personal, or financial information. The risk of falling victim to these scams is rising, as more clients report receiving notifications from HMRC regarding Interventions.
Tips to Distinguish Genuine HMRC Communication
Fortunately, HMRC provides useful tips to help you identify legitimate communications:
- Forms of Communication:
HMRC may contact you through letters, embed QR codes, send texts, make phone calls, and, if you’ve subscribed, they may send WhatsApp messages.
In terms of its economic crime supervision function, when considering conducting an Intervention, HMRC typically reaches out via letter, email, phone, or text. - QR Codes:
While some communications may include QR codes, a genuine HMRC QR code will not redirect you to a site asking for personal information. - Emails and Texts:
HMRC does not request personal or financial information via email or text. If you receive a communication offering a refund in exchange for personal details, HMRC advises against responding or opening any links. - Telephone Scams:
If you’re unsure whether a caller is from HMRC, do not provide personal or financial information over the phone. It’s advisable to ask for more information or a second form of communication to verify the caller’s identity.
Reporting Suspicious Communications
If you suspect you’ve been contacted by a scammer, it’s essential to report it:
- Text Messages: Forward suspicious texts to 60599 (network charges apply).
- Emails: Report suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
- Phone Calls: Use this link to report dubious calls.
Don’t Miss Genuine HMRC Communications
As much as you should always try to avoid scams, it is equally important not to miss a genuine communication from HMRC, such as a reminder to renew your registration with HMRC as the supervisor for the Art Market. The most common fines issued to Art Market Participants (AMPs) have been for failing to register or failing to renew their annual registration.
Conclusion
As scams continue to rise, staying informed and vigilant is crucial for protecting your business and personal information. By understanding how to identify genuine HMRC communications and utilising resources like FCS Compliance’s AML Protect service, you can safeguard yourself against fraud while ensuring compliance with HMRC guidelines.
Stay Compliant with FCS Compliance
To help AMPs avoid missing registration renewal dates, FCS Compliance offers a free service called AML Protect. This service sends reminders via text and email when your renewal date is approaching, ensuring you stay compliant with HMRC regulations.
Written: October 2024
