Inland Revenue Scam Alert
The most common methods used by fraudsters to collect someone's personal information are email and phone scams. These include phoning and claiming to be from Inland Revenue, or sending an email that appears to come from Inland Revenue or a tax refund agency.
Reporting scams
IRD investigates and takes action on reports of phishing and new attempts will be posted to this website.
If you receive a suspicious email, SMS scam message or a fraudulent call please email phishing@ird.govt.nz and include:
- the email received, or
- the number that the text message or phone number (CallerID) originated from
- any names and call-back numbers given by the text sender or phone caller
- details about the scam including:
- the amount of tax refund quoted
- the reference number
- the information requested, and
- any other relevant information.
Scams targeting IRD customers
Phone scams
Scammers claiming to be from Inland Revenue are cold calling people to say they are being investigated for tax fraud. The scammer requests personal information including the person's IRD number, before threatening them with legal action. In some cases people are told they must pay a debt urgently or face jail.
Some people have also reported scammers leaving voicemails stating the recipient is subject to criminal action for tax fraud, leaving a phone number for the person to return the call.
Email scams
More and more phishing email scams are appearing with the Inland Revenue logo on them. These are to fool people into believing they are genuine and that you are eligible for a tax refund.
If you have fallen for a scam, given away personal information or suspect your identity has been stolen, please see IRD's "Victim support" page.