Crawley Police warning over email scam

POLICE have warned of a "highly sophisticated" email scam which has claimed numerous victims in recent weeks.

Victims receive a message claiming to be from the Inland Revenue which offers a tax rebate.

Cunning fraudsters have created a system which knows which bank victims use and offers a link to claim the rebate.

When unfortunate taxpayers type their details into the form their bank accounts are emptied.

Crawley Police Sergeant Darren Taylor said: "This is highly sophisticated and lots of people fall for it.

"The best way to stop this is to call the Inland Revenue when you receive the email.

"Don't click on the link and don't pass your details on.

"No legitimate company will email you and ask you for details like that."

Officers have also warned of a scam which has been used on at least two Sussex businesses.

Restaurants have received letters claiming a waiter spilled wine on a customer's clothes. A dry cleaning bill for £8 is enclosed.

When a cheque is posted, the fraudsters change the eight to eighty by adding a zero and a letter 'Y' and take the money.