Inland Revenue is warning customers be alert for fraudulent emails and three separate imitation websites claiming to be from the department.
"The scheme involves customers receiving emails with links to imitation Inland Revenue web pages for Online Tax Refunds. Information on these pages advises customers that 'we automatically pay refunds of $600 or less to you 15 days after the date of your PTS,' said Group Manager Customer Services Eleanor Young.
"We want to make our customers aware that this is scam and a deliberate attempt to use the Inland Revenue logo and brand to steal confidential and personal information. Although the pages look very similar to those on the Inland Revenue website they are most definitely fake.
"Any information that is given to these fraudsters can result in a business or individuals suffering identity and data theft."
Ms Young said that Inland Revenue is aware of the issue and working with the National Cyber Security Centre and the E-crimes division of the Police to get the sites removed. The key thing to remember is that Inland Revenue will never issue a tax refund onto a credit card."
"These imitation website addresses are long and jumbled which show they are not authentic. We remind our customers that if anyone has replied to those behind these scams, and given money or their personal details, they should contact their bank or credit card provider immediately," Ms Young said.
Inland Revenue asks customers to keep their IRD numbers, tax information, online passwords and all other data safe at all times. If you think someone is using an identity fraudulently, or attempting to steal your confidential information, then let the department know.
Information is available on the Inland Revenue website
To report suspicious phone calls or emails that target Inland Revenue customers, please send an email to [email protected]