The Revenue Commissioners has warned taxpayers to be careful following the discovery of fraudulent emails purporting to come from Revenue. These emails, which seek personal information from taxpayers in connection with a tax refund or seeking credit/debit card details , are not being sent by Revenue.

“The Revenue Commissioners never send emails requiring customers to send personal information via email or pop-up windows,” the tax collection agency said.

Revenue discontinued its secure email system on June 13th 2015, and replaced it with a new secure online facility, MyEnquiries. PAYE taxpayers are encouraged to use this for any communication that includes personal or confidential information, while self-employed taxpayers can avail of the Revenue’s secure Ros service.

For taxpayers who do receive such an email, Revenue says that the mails should simply be deleted. If you’re actually waiting on a tax refund, you should check with your local Revenue Office.

It’s a busy time for the Revenue and taxpayers who must file tax returns for 2014, with the paper deadline for tax returns, October 31st, rapidly approaching. Online filers have until November 12th to comply.

For more on the Revenue's security protocols see here.