Always be suspicious of any email mentioning a refund from a “tax credit office agent”. Look out for links to fake version of the GOV.UK website.

Never provide details or similarly sensitive information on the basis of an email request.

HMRC’s director general of benefits and credits, Nick Lodge, HMRC, said the department never asks people to disclose personal information by email.

“We have cracked down… but fraudsters’ methods are constantly changing, so people must remain vigilant,” he added.

Please report any suspicious emails to HMRC.