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HMRC online tax returns platform lures phishers

A record number of UK taxpayers took advantage of the recent January 31st deadline to file their tax returns on the internet, according to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Some 67 per cent of UK taxpayers used the HMRC's website to file their self-assessment tax returns this year, and a spokesperson admitted to the Register that "the system worked really well".

However, the positive response to the online filing system recently introduced poses another problem, according to an internet security expert.

This is because cyber crooks would move in to exploit the system, as highlighted by a phishing scam spotted by security firm Sophos.

A lot of people would have left their returns to the very last minute and the surge and urgency to beat the deadline could leave some responding to a phishing scam such as the one spotted.

"An increasing number of people using online systems to manage their finances is only likely to encourage more phishers to try their hand at stealing money," said the firm's chief technology officer Graham Cluley.

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