The 44-year-old money saving expert retweeted a post by HM Revenue & Customs warning customers of a direct message offering tax refunds.
The tweet read: “Scam alert: We’re aware of customers receiving DMs offering tax refunds. These are not from genuine HMRC accounts and should be reported.”
According to the government department, HMRC will never offer tax refunds via direct message.
Anyone who receives anything suspicious should report it immediately on the Gov.uk website.
On the website it states: “Don’t give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or clock on any links in emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine.”
While some websites, emails or phone numbers can look like they’re from an official government service, some are scams.
The official HMRC customer service account on Twitter has the handle @HMRCcustomers.
HMRC will never use texts, emails or direct messages on Twitter to tell a person about a tax rebate or penalty or ask for personal or payment information.
Martin’s Twitter followers were grateful for the warning.
One tweeted: “I’ve had ends over the last year or so.”
Another added: “Had a phone call today threatening legal action re outstanding tax. Demanding a call back. Obviously didn’t, but can see how some would.”
The official HMRC customer service account is @HMRCcustomers.
HMRC tweeted: “We act quickly to remove fake accounts, but be wary.
Gov.uk lists official government services and phone numbers.
Any suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 60599 – text messages will be charged at your network rate – or suspicious emails can be sent to HMRC’s phishing team at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
If you think you’ve given any personal information in replay to a suspicious email or text, email security.custcon@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
Martin Lewis has also warned that not claiming THIS benefit could be putting your pension at risk.
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