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  [email protected] 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
Hi Janet/Mathew/John. Knowledge is a tremendous thing and is very empowering and motivating. I have thoroughly enjoyed property school and thank you and the team for providing a platform to obtain essential property investment and development knowledge. I would be happy to provide any testimonials or referrals for the company, as the advice and services provided by the company are second to none. - Darin Bayer, November 2019
logo

Seminars and workshops for property investors, business owners and anyone seeking to create and protect their wealth.

View all our upcoming events
Learn More

GRA logo

Gilligan Rowe and Associates is a chartered accounting firm specialising in property, asset planning, legal structures, taxation and compliance.

We help new, small and medium property investors become long-term successful investors through our education programmes and property portfolio planning advice. With our deep knowledge and experience, we have assisted hundreds of clients build wealth through property investment.

Learn More
GRA Senior Partners
TOP