Phishing scam targeting Kiwi taxpayers

There's a new email phishing scam on the loose targeting Kiwi taxpayers.

MyTax.co.nz is warning Kiwis about the scam, which asks potential victims to disclose their personal financial information.

The email states the customer is eligible for a tax refund, but must first send their credit card details to receive it.

CEO of MyTax.co.nz Lester Binns, says scammers have most likely distributed the email in an attempt to capitalise on the close of the March financial year, and warns Kiwis not to click on the link or respond to the sender of the email.

"No reputable tax agent should ever ask for your credit card details to process a refund; if you see an email of this nature it should be treated with caution," Binns says.

Binns  says the scam, which appears to originate overseas, has been reported to authorities and is currently under investigation.

He suggests taxpayers wanting to safely check if they are owed a tax refund should contact the IRD, a registered accountant or a personal tax agent.

Binns says the IRD advises any customers who receive the email to visit http://ird.govt.nz/identity-security for further advice.