Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Criminals Steal $64 Million from UK Tax Authority via Phishing
Some bad guys tricked the UK's tax system, HMRC, to steal money.
They used fake information to pretend they were real people and asked for money from the government.
HMRC says this wasn't a computer hack but criminals using info they got from tricks like phishing.
The thieves got around $64 million!
HMRC is now helping the affected people and has locked accounts to protect them.
They also said no one has lost their personal money.
Criminals stole approximately $64 million from the UK's tax authority, HMRC.
The theft involved over 100,000 customer accounts accessed through phishing.
Fraudsters used fake claims to receive government payments.
HMRC confirmed the breach was not due to a cyberattack.
HMRC has taken steps to protect affected accounts and contacted customers.
- Who
- A criminal gang was responsible for the theft.
- What
- Criminals stole approximately $64 million from the UK tax authority by using stolen data to file false claims.
- When
- The incident occurred recently, with an investigation taking place last year.
- Where
- The crime targeted the UK's HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
- Why
- The criminals aimed to fraudulently obtain money from the government.
- Amount Stolen
- $64 million
- Target
- HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs)
- Method
- Phishing and stolen data
- Accounts Accessed
- Over 100,000
- Taxpayer Impact
- No personal money lost by taxpayers
- Perpetrators
- Organized crime