GRA Blogs

Articles by John Heaslip

John Heaslip

IRD REFUNDS/PAYMENTS & PHISHING FROM ONLINE CRIMINALS

2446

In the past day I have had a number of clients ring me in a panic saying that the IRD have texted to tell them that they owed money for unpaid tax and offering a link to enable the payment. I have advised them to delete the text and not to follow any instructions the text asks of them.

DON'T GET HOOKED - this is phishing from online criminals.

Phishing is the act of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Criminals are masquerading as the IRD and are using online phishing scams (via email), SMS phishing (known as smishing) and voice phishing (known as vishing) scams to get personal information, money and identity.

If you receive an e-mail or text message notifying you of a tax refund or asking for your tax information, use the following tips to determine if it is genuine:
Does it include a hyperlink that asks you to submit information?
Does it include a specific $ value of the refund?
Does it have errors in spelling or grammar?

If the answer is "Yes" to any of these questions,  delete the text or e-mail and do not follow any instructions it contains.

If you come across an apparent  IRD phishing scam and are unsure, please contact either your accountant or the IRD. The IRD can be contacted  via  phishing@ird.govt.nz or 0800 227 774.



John Heaslip
signed
John Heaslip
Business Advisory Director
© Gilligan Rowe & Associates LP

Did you like this article? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive tips, updates and useful information to help you protect your assets and grow your net worth. We're expert accountants providing expert advice to clients in NZ and around the world.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide only a summary of the issues associated with the topics covered. It does not purport to be comprehensive nor to provide specific advice. No person should act in reliance on any statement contained within this article without first obtaining specific professional advice. If you require any further information or advice on any matter covered within this article, please contact the author.
Comments

Add a Comment

Log in or sign up to post a comment

Testimonials

Over the years, I have been very happy indeed with the excellence and professionalism of the services I have received from all staff at Gilligan Rowe and Associates. 


- Bob Stewart, October 2020
We can help
Here's how

Property 101by

Investing in residential property?

Put this at the top of your reading list.



If you're investing in residential property, seeking to maximise your ability to succeed and minimise risk, then this is a 'must read'.

Matthew Gilligan provides a fresh look at residential property investment from an experienced investor’s viewpoint. Written in easy to understand language and including many case studies, Matthew explains the ins and outs of successful property investment.

  • How to find the right property
  • How to negotiate successfully
  • Renovation do's & don'ts
  •  Property management 
  • Case studies and examples
  • and much, much more...
TOP