HMRC/Dropbox - is this a scam?

[GoryGilmore]

Received a letter from HMRC saying that they needed to contact me for more information regarding the SEISS fourth grant, asking for a piece of ID and three bank statements. I was called by an advisor who has emailed me a 48 hour Dropbox link to provide these documents. I wasn’t sure if it was legitimate so have tried calling HMRC, but it’s impossible to get through. Then spoke to two advisors via the web chat; confusingly, one told me it was a scam but then the second says it’s not a scam and they have definitely contacted me for the documents. Has anyone else received this request?

Scam.

Keep trying to call the helpline.

I’ve had it at work and just assumed it was a scam

No way would I send those documents without being 100%

I've claimed seiss grant and never had to Dropbox anything. Bloody scammers!

I applied for this and I think it asked for a digital identity to be set up.
Apply for it directly on line, the fourth grant is not available yet, so it's probably a scam..

www.gov.uk/government/publications/self-employment-income-support-scheme-grant-extension/self-employment-income-support-scheme-grant-extension

My partner has also received a call & letter about it. He was hesitant to give over any information on the phone & they said they had already sent out the letter. Everything on his letter seems legit? The website ect. I too am concerned though it may be a scam? His friends at work seem to think it isn't though? As apparently HMRC are contacting people about it.

I would check the email with the HMRC phishing help desk

[email protected].

See what they say?

Found this recent article, may be genuine but seems badly executed www.yourmoney.com/household-bills/seiss-claims-process-complex-and-flawed/amp/

I have just tried to ring HMRC.. Didn't realise the offices were closed at this time 😳 However the automated message did say they'd be contacting people who could be eligible, so perhaps it isn't a scam. I'd definitely wait though to speak to an actual human!

HMRC wouldn’t use Dropbox, they’d make you sign into your govt gateway account, if anything.

I’d be very surprised if any official org used Dropbox for document uploads, because Dropbox’s servers are in the US, so there’s an immediate issue with sending docs via different jurisdiction.

Hi

HMRC do use dropbox - there is some information here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-information-to-hmrc-using-electronic-data-transfer/protocols-for-using-electronic-data-transfer

There is also this page where you can check contact from HMRC to see if genuine: www.gov.uk/guidance/check-a-list-of-genuine-hmrc-contacts#:~:text=You%20can%20ask%20us%20not,call%2003000%20557755 it does cover letters about the self-employment scheme.

If in doubt, then it is best to check with HMRC but worrying you received two different answers.

HMRC do use Dropbox for compliance cases

HMRC do use Dropbox for compliance cases

That's really interesting, but surprising - I do work with various law enforcement agencies and Dropbox has been a big no-no for file transfers, because of the issue of data being sent via a different jurisdiction.

It's not a scam. Below is the article from the Institute of Chartered Accountants confirming the procedure does include a phone call and a link to a dropbox account.

www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2021/mar-2021/preverification-checks-for-new-seiss-claims

I agree it's a very poor and risky method but it's what HMRC have decided to do.

Thanks everyone. I finally managed to get definite confirmation from HMRC that this process is legit, but the articles posted here have also reassured me. It is definitely a poorly executed process though!

Hi all.

Hi all. We've heard from HMRC Press Office regarding questions posed in this thread and they've asked us to post this on their behalf:

This contact from HMRC in relation to SEISS 4 is genuine. Readers can check whether any contact from HMRC is genuine here - this particular letter is listed under 'Contact by letter or phone' - 'Self Employment Income Support Scheme for first time Self Assessment tax return filers for 2019 to 2020 - letters and phone calls'