Hartlepool trading standards chiefs issue warning over bogus tax return email

Trading standards officials in Hartlepool are warning local businesses to be on their guard against a tax scam email.
By Mark Payne
Published 23rd Jul 2021, 17:38 BST
Updated 23rd Jul 2021, 17:38 BST
Trading Standards Hartlepool is warning businesses to be aware of scam emails.Trading Standards Hartlepool is warning businesses to be aware of scam emails.
Trading Standards Hartlepool is warning businesses to be aware of scam emails.

The email which has been received by a local business, warns the recipient that they have not registered their business and includes a link that supposedly will allow them to do so and file a tax return.

But trading standards officials are stressing that businesses are not required to register with Hartlepool Borough Council’s trading standards team or the Government’s gov.uk website and if they receive the email they should avoid clicking on any links and delete it immediately.

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The sender’s email address is [email protected].

The text of the scam message reads: “I am just dropping you an email to let you know that you need to register your business (the name of the targeted business) I have checked the local gov data base and can see this is not been registered please can you do this asap you can do this online at www.gov.uk it will only take 10 minutes of your time to fill out a few questions and a tax return also I have noticed you are selling products that are copyright from the near future can you please refrain from doing this as it's a trade mark and the logos you are using belong to different company's ie branded.”

It ends “Kind regards Ian.”

The pandemic has led to an increase in reports of scam phone calls, texts and emails.

Any businesses requiring trading standards advice can contact Hartlepool Borough Council’s trading standards team on (01429) 523362.

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