Within minutes of the U.K. government’s furlough scheme going live it was targeted by opportunistic hackers impersonating the country’s tax collection website.

Hundreds of phishing emails landed in peoples inboxes inviting them to click on a link that takes them to what looks like an HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) furlough claim website.

The website asks people to fill in their personal, card and bank account details. However instead of going to HMRC, the details go to the hackers.

‘This is a scam,’ an HMRC spokesperson told the media. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the package of measures announced by the government to support people and businesses effected by the coronavirus.

Please be vigilant! HMRC will not contact you via email to make your claim.  To make a claim, please visit GOV.UK directly where you will find all the information you need; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme