FRAUDSTERS posing at revenue and customs officials are contacting victims to offer them a tax rebate - before stealing their money.

Conmen are now using email and text messages to scam people out of their savings.

HMRC is currently processing tax refunds after the end of the 2017/18 tax year. Criminals are taking advantage of this with a new scam.

Treasury Minister Mel Stride said: “HMRC only informs you about tax refunds through the post or through your pay via your employer. All emails, text messages, or voicemail messages saying you have a tax refund are a scam.

"Do not click on any links in these messages and forward them to HMRC’s phishing email address and phone number.

“We know that criminals will try and use events like the end of the financial year, the self-assessment deadline, and the issuing of tax refunds to target the public and attempt to get them to reveal their personal data. It is important to be alert to the danger.”

Income tax for April 6 2017 to April 5 2018 will be calculated over the coming months and anyone owed a genuine tax rebate will receive a tax calculation letter by post between June and October.