New Email Phishing Scam

(PR.co.nz) Kiwi taxpayers are being warned to watch out for a new email phishing scam which asks them to disclose their personal financial information.

The phishing email states the customer is eligible for a tax refund, but must first send their credit card details to receive it.

CEO of MyTax.co.nz Lester Binns, says scammers have most likely distributed the email in an attempt to capitalise on the close of the March financial year, and warns Kiwis not to click on the link or respond to the sender of the email.

“No reputable tax agent should never ask for your credit card details to process a refund, if you see an email of this nature it should be treated with caution,” he says.

Binns says the IRD advises any customers who receive the email to visit http://ird.govt.nz/identity-security for further advice.

He says the scam, which appears to originate overseas, has been reported to authorities and is currently under investigation.

Binns says taxpayers wanting to safely check if they are owed a tax refund should contact the IRD, a registered accountant or a personal tax agent.