Have you ever been targeted by an email or phone scam?
Fraudsters use these scams to collect people’s personal information.
They do this in a number of ways, such as telephoning with a claim that they are from Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and phishing (sending an email that looks genuine and sent by us or by a tax refund agency) and use this information to make false claims or access your personal details.
Phone scams often claim that you are owed a tax refund and can collect it on the condition that you make an upfront direct payment to a bank account, usually via the Western Union.
They may also ask you to make the transfer through a website address, while talking to you. If you are concerned that you have received a scam phone call, just hang up.
False websites
Email scams include a link that sends you to a false website, which usually looks similar to a real page.
You will be asked to enter personal IRD information such as your secure online services account (myIR), user ID and password.
Clicking on the link in the email would download a virus onto your computer.
This can give the fraudsters access to your personal information.
If you have received a suspicious email, please do not click on a link, or reply.
Delete the email from your Inbox and Trash folders.
Be secure
IRD will never send you an email that asks you to provide personal information such as your secure online services account, user ID and password. We will never send an email that contains a direct link to a page, which asks you to submit information such as our “Secure online services” login page.
Our Department will never ask you to go to any website except www.ird.govt.nz
If you think you have replied to a scam, and given money or personal details, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately.
By being aware of these scams you keep your information secure and protect yourself from fraud.
Free Workshops
If you are in business, you may like to attend one of our free tax seminars or workshops held in various parts of the country.
Abdul Rafik is Inland Revenue’s Community Relationships Advisor based in Auckland. He will answer your queries emailed to venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
