A version of one of the emails
The taxman is always after our money but Preston residents are being warned to be alert in their email inboxes.
A fake email scam with HMRC branding is doing the rounds with official looking wording.
Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards team has warned Preston internet users to delete the message.
Scambuster Stan, the trading standards Facebook page, states: “”I’ve just been warned of this latest HMRC refund scam.
“It looks quite convicing but if you follow the link you will NOT be taken to the Government Gateway. You will be taken to a bogus version and asked to provide all of your details to the scammers behind it.
“Delete the email. If you need to log into The Government Gateway use a known link, not one in an email sent by scammers.”
Another of the templates seen in email inboxes
The scam email includes the email address, and the amount you’re supposed to be refunded. Some of the templates include the HMRC
It also includes a fake HMRC reference number.
Read more: Preston students warned about scam email
Blog Preston has been contacted by a number of readers who have received the fake email.