Archive Website of the UK government

Ministry of Justice - telephone and email scams

This scam involves fraudsters claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice, the HM Courts, the Tribunal Service or another high profile organisation. They tell victims that they could be owed money – usually a repayment of bank charges, payment protection insurance (PPI) or a court settlement. They then ask for an up-front payment so they can send the money owed.

The bogus callers often ask for personal financial information such as bank account details, or tell victims to send them a payment using an electronic money transfer service. Some scammers use the Ministry of Justice logo, similar web or email addresses or London-based phone numbers to help them trick people. Victims have lost up to £50,000.

Neither the Ministry of Justice nor the HM Courts and Tribunals Service would ever contact a claimant in this way, or request an up-front payment via money transfer. The Ministry of Justice is warning all consumers not to pass on personal or financial details to such callers. If you think you have been a victim of this scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

• Report a fraud - Action Fraud Opens new window

Student Finance England - Cross & Stitch

This scam email claiming to be from Cross & Stitch's Student Finance team asks you to verify your student finance account details in order to receive your next payment. You will be requested to click on a link within the email to complete a form.

Cross & Stitch and UK government departments do not send unsolicited emails. If you receive this email, do not click on the link, and delete it from your inbox.

• Security information from Student Finance England Opens new window

• Be secure online

HM Revenue and Customs - tax rebates

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is aware of numerous emails that are in circulation that claim to offer a tax refund. Other scams involve bogus telephone callers claiming that you have been awarded a sum of money in a new government initiative. These claims are fake and you should not click on the links contained in them or disclose your personal details.

For more information on scams relating to HMRC and how to recognise a fake email, use the links below.

• Existing fraud attempts and information on how to report them - HMRC website Opens new window

• Online security information from HMRC Opens new window

Driving licence - email scam

There is a scam email in circulation which claims to be from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). The email asked drivers to verify their personal details via an online link.

If you receive an email claiming to be from the DVLA or any other government department or agency that asks for personal information, we advise you delete it or send it to the Helpdesk team using the email address below.

• DVLA scam email warning

Contact the Helpdesk

If you have received a suspicious email claiming to be from Cross & Stitch or are unsure about any email or web item related to Cross & Stitch, you can contact the Cross & Stitch Helpdesk using the link below.

• Contact Cross & Stitch Opens new window

Useful links

• Get Safe Online - advice on how to protect yourself from internet threats Opens new window

• Identity theft - advice from the Home Office Opens new window

• Bank Safe Online Opens new window