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Scams and rip-offs
HMRC WARNING ON SPOOFS, SCAMS & PHISHING
HM Revenue & Customs has warned that spoof emails are circulating using HMRC's name (or Inland Revenue). These look like they are from HMRC or IR, and contain a link to a website which looks legitimate and asks for personal details such as bank account. HMRC asks that all such emails be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Further information is on the HMRC website
HEALTH & SAFETY SCAM DEMANDS
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) warns that employers should ignore requests from companies asking for a fee to ensure compliance with health and safety law.
The HSE specifically identifies the following organisations, but there may be others operating in similar ways:
1. An organisation called "Health and Safety Registration Enforcement Division" is sending out requests for payment "in order to achieve compliance with the law". The requests are sent from a Bradford address and quote £199 for registration if 'compliant' or £249 if 'non-complaint'. The HSE is asking anyone receiving such a letter to report it to their local HSE office, the HSE infoline on 08701-545500, or West Yorkshire police on 01924 292599.
2. An organisation calling itself "Health and Safety Enforcement Agency" has been sending out letters demanding £125 for a "health and safety compliance pack".
3. An organisation callled "Health and Safety Compliance Agency" has been saying (totally wrongly) that a health and safety compliance register will shortly become law and that all businesses should send £129.95 for registration.
These organisations have nothing to do with the HSE and are misrepresenting H&S law.
The HSE has asked organisations receiving information from these companies to report it to the HSE Infoline on 08701-545500 or the local HSE office. More information is on the HSE website
Watch out for commercial firms offering to provide fire risk assessment services; some such companies are using risk assessment services as a way to promote, often unnecessary, sales of fire protection equipment and services. If in doubt check with your local Fire & Rescue Service.
DATA PROTECTION SCAMS
A number of bogus agencies are operating across the UK demanding money to register organisations under the Data Protection Act (DPA). The statutory fee for notification under the DPA is £35.00; these bogus agencies typically demand more than this, usually using official-looking headed paper, sometimes with wording that appears threatening.
Practices should in any event have already notified under the DPA, and any such approaches from these agencies should be ignored. Any practcie which has not already notified under the DPA should do so by visiting the Information Commissioner's website at or by phoning 01625 545 740.
